Solid bar bridges?

[adamrobertt]

Anyone have any experience with compensated, solid bar bridges? Like a Tru Arc or a Compton? I want to put a different bridge on a new guitar that has a TOM bridge because I don't like using Tune-O-Matics with vibratos...and I'm kind of considering one.

I like the Tru Arc because it is a rocking design, but I've never used either. Thoughts?

[Larry Mal]

Yes, I've used some and they are fantastic, assuming the guitar is made correctly and all is in the right place (never guaranteed).

Faber is what I've used... no doubt on sale now or shortly.

[antisymmetric]

Not really pretty enough to post a pic of, but I whipped up an aluminium rocking bridge for my old Jansen Jazzman as a sort of "proof of concept" with the plan to do a prettier one if the idea worked, and it does. I'd characterize the single piece bridge as a more sensitive microphone- it picks up more, even when you just brush the strings with your fingertip. If my JM-like object project ever gets built, it will have a one-piece bridge.

[Jonesie]

I have an aluminum Compton bridge on two guitars, a Silvertone 1446 and a Yamaha Studio Lord (LP clone), and they're both awesome. The intonation on the Yamaha is nearly perfect, and I'm using it with a Bigsby, there's no drag or anything, so the tuning stability is great. The bridge opened up the sound of the Silvertone by a wide margin too.

Money well spent.

[adamrobertt]

Ok. Ended up going with a Tru Arc Low Rider bridge. Unfortunately it's gonna take 4-8 weeks because it has to be made... but should be worth the wait.

[PorkyPrimeCut]

What kind of guitar are you putting it on?

I switched out the stock bridge on my Vox Ultrasonic (that rattled & buzzed a little too much due to all the moving parts) for a simple Gretsch-style bar bridge. I was really happy with the results. It intonated perfectly, increased sustain, made the guitar a touch louder & more resonant when played unplugged & obviously fixed the buzzing & rattling.

If, for whatever reason, it hadn't worked out, I was looking at the Tru-Arc Low Rider too. A quality part, from what I've read.

[adamrobertt]

It's going on the Harvester Goldthwait I just picked up. Has a normal TOM bridge, but I hate them, especially with vibratos. Almost just bought a roller bridge but got thinking about trying a solid bar bridge... hopefully I like it!

[burpgun]

Anyone ever put a solid bridge on one of the tune-o-matic equipped Jazzmasters? I'm leaning toward one of these guys for an SG, but it got me thinking about my Classic Player.

[hexes]

It's going on the Harvester Goldthwait I just picked up. Has a normal TOM bridge, but I hate them, especially with vibratos. Almost just bought a roller bridge but got thinking about trying a solid bar bridge... hopefully I like it!

oh sweet. can't wait to see your photos and read/hear your review. I'm considering one for another guitar I have.

[pacemaker]

Anyone ever put a solid bridge on one of the tune-o-matic equipped Jazzmasters? I'm leaning toward one of these guys for an SG, but it got me thinking about my Classic Player.

I've seen a photo of it on here somewhere; it can be done.

[adamrobertt]

Anyone ever put a solid bridge on one of the tune-o-matic equipped Jazzmasters? I'm leaning toward one of these guys for an SG, but it got me thinking about my Classic Player.

The solid bar bridge I bought is going to retrofit a tune o matic. Both Tru-Arc and Compton bridges should drop right on. I went with the Tru-Arc because it's a rocking design, and the Compton does not offer that option.