Tone Pros bridge??

NY Chief · Post by **NY Chief** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 6:27 pm

What do you guys think?

I've got a low "B" saddle on my Paul and the string is sitting lower than the E. I was thinking of maybe droppin a TP locking bridge reather than F with the saddle.

Anybody got history with the Tone Pros bridges & tailpieces?

Post by **Scumback Speakers** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 7:49 pm

I've got their AVR-II bridges installed in a couple of my guitars, NY. They're not interchangeable with Gibson bridges (cuz they're built better), though.

rockstah · Post by **rockstah** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 7:51 pm

i use them on my les paul. i think if u dig u will find my name on the site too.

BBN-Boys · Post by **BBN-Boys** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 12:26 am

I've got tonepros in all my Gibsons (2 LP and a es335). I can't be any happier with them.

The manufacturing tolerance on the Tonepros are lot more precise than stock gibson stuff. What type of bridge do you have, Nashville or the old style ABR?

JD · Post by JD » Sat Feb 10, 2007 12:52 am

Tone Pros are good.

You can get replacement saddles for your bridge, and you can always drill a couple of holes, tap, and put in a pair of nylon tip set screws to "lock" your bridge (and tailpiece the same way).

NY Chief · Post by **NY Chief** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 12:52 pm

Thanks, Guys.

I'm talking about my '71 Custom here so it should be the AVR ll which the adverstise a direct replacement fro the ABR 1.

Jim, why do you say that they are not interchangeable with the stock Gibby?

JD, I think my bridge is starting collapse in the middle anyway so I need a replacement. I hear ya on mod the exsiting but I've way too many projects I still can't get to now!

Mark, didn't see your name but I'm not surprised!

NY Chief · Post by **NY Chief** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 12:53 pm

I gotta learn how to type...

JD · Post by JD » Sat Feb 10, 2007 5:38 pm

FYI, Gibson USA sells the brand new ABR-1 complete bridges in Gold, Nickel, or Chrome. I see them (and the Tone Pros replacement) on the 'bay all the time.

PS, you can tell if the bridge is sagging by removing the saddles, inverting the bridge and resting it on a flat tabletop surface. You can also run a straight edge across the top of the housing. I've rarely seen this unless very heavy strings were used for a long period of time.

St August · Post by **St August** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 5:54 pm

So this bridge system locks the posts and and saddles in place so everything goes back together exactly the way you took it off for re-string and cleaning

Flames1950 · Post by **Flames1950** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 6:08 pm

No, the TonePros stuff as I understand it lock the bridge/tailpiece to the posts so there is zero sustain- and tone-robbing slop in the fit. One more thing I wish some extra cash would walk over to me, so I could buy!!!

JD · Post by JD » Sat Feb 10, 2007 7:27 pm

Yeah, the saddles are installed in the bridge a little different, and the bridge (or tailpiece) uses a little set screw on each post to "lock" it onto the stud threaded into the guitar's body, so when you remove your strings it will not fall off. The only way to remove the bridge (or tailpiece) is to loosen the set screws first.

FWIW, a standard stop tail or bridge does not vibrate under tuned string tension, the real benefit is it won't fall off when restringing, IMO.

NY Chief · Post by **NY Chief** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 7:45 pm

JD wrote: FWIW, a standard stop tail or bridge does not vibrate under tuned string tension, the real benefit is it won't fall off when restringing, IMO.

That's kinda how I really see it , too. Though from what I gather from the website it's not just the set screws holding it down but the studs as well. And it looks like there is something else involved in the saddles,too.
Oh well, I ordered a bridge / tailpiece set. I'll let you know what I think.

Mark, how about an experts opinion??

JD, I haven't pulled the bridge yet but it does look a little warped. I just tried some SOB heavy 10's ( been using 9's) on it and it definitely moved the neck so it may have warped the bridge. Shouldn't have but ya never know...

JD · Post by JD » Sun Feb 11, 2007 12:40 am

Yep, changing string gauge generally requires a truss rod adjustment (tightening) but I would be really surprised to see the bridge warp. It's pretty easy to check. No matter, the tone Pros is good, post feedback on how you like it.

rtcook · Post by **rtcook** » Sun Feb 11, 2007 10:02 am

I took my Gotoh TuneOMatic bridge and tailpiece and drilled and tapped them for the allen set screws just like the Tone Pros. I also changed the saddles to Graph Tech saddles. They both made a nice improvement and the bridge and tailpiece look just like the Tone Pros. After all, thats all they are doing.

Roger

JeffG. · Post by **JeffG.** » Sun Feb 11, 2007 7:02 pm

St August wrote:So this bridge system locks the posts and and saddles in place so everything goes back together exactly the way you took it off for re-string and cleaning

Yes.

I have the set on my SG. I get much more consistent tone, and much quicker string changes. No more diddling around trying to get everything back exactly right.