Tuffset Bridge

[eggo_princess]

I've had my Tuffset installed on my Partscaster VI for a few weeks and thought I'd drop in with some comments. Overall? It's great. It's gorgeous, it's solid, it feels great just holding it in your hand. In terms of using the Tuffset? Honestly, there's not too much to say, in the sense that the Tuffset works perfectly. You forget it's there because it doesn't have any bad habits like poking your hand when palm muting.

Regarding the saddles and big strings: The .095 E and .075 A strings sit on top of the saddle grooves more than they sit in the groove, and the .056 D is about halfway in. No worries though, the Tuffset saddles hold the big strings better than the Mustang-style bridge it replaced. Same guitar, same setup, same action and neck angle. The Mustang bridge worked fine for me, and the Tuffset is better.

Intonation range: My Partscaster VI is a DC Kunkle Bass VI conversion neck on a Jazzmaster body. I did not have intonation issues with the Mustang style bridge, but it was nearly maxed out. The Tuffset very obviously has more intonation range. That's great since I might need a little more range for the .100 Fender strings. For Squier VI owners, I can't advise as my guitar is a different beast.

Final thoughts: Thumbs up, the Tuffset is a great piece of hardware.

Thanks for this note, I've been looking into bridges with more intonation range and wider string slots for a Bari build and this was super helpful.

[beauzooka]

I need a bridge for my jag. When pretty please?

Soon!

I'm sorry to keep everyone waiting - this wave has taken longer than expected, because we have prioritised making improvements to all aspects of the design and manufacturing process, including some changes under the skin that will help make future versions compatible with different instruments (including the much-anticipated TOM/AOM version that will NOT require you to remove the inserts in the body!)

We're currently on track to have orders reopen in October. If you sign up to the mailing list on the website, you'll get a notification when the bridge is available again.

Cheers!
Dan

Thanks for the info!

[patski]

Just signed up for notifications on your site! Looking forward to the TOM version.

Starting to wonder if I'll need a new pickguard to fit it though...

[Deed_Poll]

Just signed up for notifications on your site! Looking forward to the TOM version.

Starting to wonder if I'll need a new pickguard to fit it though...

Cheers for signing up to the list!

Shouldn't need a new pickguard to fit it - you won't even need to remove the threaded inserts from the body. Basically, the process will be:

1) unscrew bridge posts
2) screw in special thimble inserts
3) put the bridge in and set it up as if it's got vintage thimbles

The only difference between the Original and the TOM version bridge is that the posts are smaller diameter to allow it to be mounted slightly "cross-eyed" in the TOM holes (spacing varies between 73mm-74.5mm) and our inserts have a special design to allow for this flexibility whilst keeping the bridge firmly centred!

[Deed_Poll]

Very special news to share!

When Grant Nicholas of Feeder reached out to express an interest in the bridge, I was pumped! Of course, I had to send him one for testing.

What I didn't know at the time was that the Tuffset Bridge would find its way into his legendary #1 live touring guitar, the 1966 #Jazzmaster known as Jesus! Here's some info about the guitar from a Guitar.com interview in 2008:

“That’s my first one – the one that I did the swap for. It’s my most sentimental one – my ’59 is the one that I use for recording, but this is the one that people know me for, because that’s the one I’ve most used, and the one I used on the main stage of Reading back in the 90s."

“...[it's] a ’66, but it’s a bit of Frankenstein, yet it’s got a great vibe. It was worn when I bought it, but I’ve certainly added a fair bit of wear to it over the years – it’s been thrown around a bit. It’s got a really lovely neck, it’s got a great sound and I really love the square inlays and the binding on the neck – that’s my personal favourite era of Jazzmaster, with the big headstock. It’s got a lot of character, it plays really well."













There I was in Amsterdam watching this iconic guitar roar to life in Grant’s hands with Feeder’s signature explosive energy behind him onstage. Knowing that the Tuffset Bridge was a part of the monster sound ringing in my ears was a special moment indeed!

If you’ve ever seen them live, you’ll know Feeder leave nothing on the table and throw themselves into every show. The Dutch crowd, at first reserved (I wonder why!) were soon chanting and singing along, roaring like lunatics. It was glorious!

Grant is an absolute legend, the band and personnel made us feel so welcome. The passion that goes into every song onstage was matched by hard work and determination backstage - going to the limit and beyond in service to the fans. I left with a massive smile on my face, a proud glow and a few extra horsepower!

Special thanks to @anieckphoto @shannarami @charlottedale23 for their wonderful photography

[JSett]

Well done mate, that's a great achievement!

I've met Grant before and can confirm he's one of those 'how can someone be that nice' people.

[GilmourD]

Well done mate, that's a great achievement!

I've met Grant before and can confirm he's one of those 'how can someone be that nice' people.

Agreed! Dan, you're knocking it out of the park!

And we definitely need more people like that. I love people that are just nice and it feels good to just be in their presence.

[JSett]

Yeah, I'll always be on the side of people committed to a project and that then produce an item clearly of exceptional quality. If I was a fan of rocking bridges I'd have been front of the queue.

[B.T.]

Ditto, great job! I really need to get around to checking one of these out.

[Deed_Poll]

Well done mate, that's a great achievement!

I've met Grant before and can confirm he's one of those 'how can someone be that nice' people.

Agreed! Dan, you're knocking it out of the park!

And we definitely need more people like that. I love people that are just nice and it feels good to just be in their presence.

Cheers guys! Yeah we must have been geeking out hard, it was time to go before I knew it Really friendly chap and has the chops, knows his Jazzmasters like a certified OSG afficionado!

[Deed_Poll]

Thought I'd post some pics of the upcoming Raw Brass Saddle version of the Tuffset, which will be available when orders reopen later this month!

"Twang" doesn't begin to cover it

Tight bass, some added richness in the midrange and a slightly rounded top end make it a more 'vocal' sound than the stainless... A great choice if you want a bit more fatness and muscle out of your Offset! And it still has no trouble cutting through the mix.

[Shadoweclipse13]

That's super cool about Grant!! And that brass is perfection!!! Brass and stainless is SUCH a good mix

[javier-san]

^^^I agree. That combo looks great! I am sure it sounds great too!

[Daitong II]

Oof, may force me to get another. That brass is nice.

[Larry Mal]

Thought I'd post some pics of the upcoming Raw Brass Saddle version of the Tuffset, which will be available when orders reopen later this month!

That's really beautiful.