Adjustable Wraparound - Tonepros vs. Pigtail vs. ABM vs..?

[hunter]

Anyone got experience with those bridges?

I want a bit more zing and better intonation from my McCarty.

I know the Tonepros has a slight radius mismatch (12" bridge vs. 10" PRS), but other than that there seem to be differing opinions on these. Pigtail and ABM don't really shine with great information on their sites.

Is aluminum always better? What about the Tonepros locking studs system?

Any input appreciated.

[Loomer]

I've seen that Schaller make one, but I'm afraid it's 12" radius as well. Not sure though.

[Philly Q]

The Pigtail is almost identical to the TonePros in construction/dimensions, but made of aluminium not zinc (or whatever the TonePros is).  The Pigtail is just a little less tall, if overall bridge height is an issue.  Both are a good fit on a PRS.

I think aluminium is usually better for a one-piece bridge, but not convinced it makes so much difference when you add adjustable saddles.  On a thin-sounding guitar I think the extra mass of the TonePros might actually be a (slight) advantage, but it's quite unpredictable I think.

If you do order a Pigtail, order the studs at the same time - they're a very tight fit, so you don't "need" locking studs, but if you order separately the bridge may not even fit the studs.  I made this mistake and had to file the plating off the bottom of the bridge to make it fit.  :(

I like the TonePros locking studs - not sure they make much difference to sustain or tone, but they stop the bridge tilting forward and it doesn't fall off when you change strings.

I'm not familiar with the ABM, but Rockinger sell a Duesenberg bridge:

http://www.rockinger.com/index.php?cat=WG084&lang=eng&product=3657C%2F3657G&sid3=425a32bf1439ec862e53bf5030139f50

And StewMac have a few different models, including the Pigtail and this Schroder:

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Bridges,_tailpieces/Electric_guitar,_non-trem_bridges/Schroeder_Stoptail_Bridge.html

[hunter]

THANKS Philly, I was hoping you might chime in ;)

That Schroeder sure looks ugly, but seems to be very well made and has 11", which is easier to get to the 10" I need when slotting. Gotta look into that.

Unfortunately I already ordered a Tonepros yesterday, but might just return it.

[Twinfan]

I want a bit more zing and better intonation from my McCarty.

Are you using unusual gauge strings?  I've used 9s, 9.5s and 10s on my Modern Eagle and the intonation is perfect, even with a little bit of wear in the bridge grooves.  Are the bridge slots damaged or excessively worn?  Is the nut OK?

If the bridge really is the problem, I'd dig deep and buy the PRS adjustable bridge:

http://www.thomann.de/gb/prs_acc4005_stop_tail.htm

[hunter]

I want a bit more zing and better intonation from my McCarty.

Are you using unusual gauge strings?  I've used 9s, 9.5s and 10s on my Modern Eagle and the intonation is perfect, even with a little bit of wear in the bridge grooves.  Are the bridge slots damaged or excessively worn?  Is the nut OK?

If the bridge really is the problem, I'd dig deep and buy the PRS adjustable bridge:

http://www.thomann.de/gb/prs_acc4005_stop_tail.htm

Intonation is dead on in standard tuning, but I'd need a compromise of standard and Drop D, if I go dropD, I always have issues. But even more so I want a bit more cut/zing.

Sorry but no, I'll not pay PRS parts prices, those are insane.

[Philly Q]

That Schroeder sure looks ugly, but seems to be very well made and has 11", which is easier to get to the 10" I need when slotting. Gotta look into that.

Unfortunately I already ordered a Tonepros yesterday, but might just return it.

The Schroeder is hideous, isn't it?  :lol:

I don't find the 10" vs. 12" radius on the TonePros all that noticeable.  If you set it so the action is low on the treble side but a bit higher on the bass side, as people usually do, it actually seems to even out quite nicely - the 12" stops the middle strings from sitting too high.

[Philly Q]

If the bridge really is the problem, I'd dig deep and buy the PRS adjustable bridge:

http://www.thomann.de/gb/prs_acc4005_stop_tail.htm

Oy vey, €249!!!  :o

[Twinfan]

I know, crazy price huh?

Hunter - if you want more cut and zing, a bridge change will be fairly subtle.  Can't you just crank up the presence on your amp?????

[FELINEGUITARS]

The Tonepros does come with locking studs though , which are great
I have fitted one to a PRS custom and it seemed to work very nicely

[Crunch]

I want a bit more zing and better intonation from my McCarty.

Are you using unusual gauge strings?  I've used 9s, 9.5s and 10s on my Modern Eagle and the intonation is perfect, even with a little bit of wear in the bridge grooves.  Are the bridge slots damaged or excessively worn?  Is the nut OK?

If the bridge really is the problem, I'd dig deep and buy the PRS adjustable bridge:

http://www.thomann.de/gb/prs_acc4005_stop_tail.htm

TonePros makes PRS bridges now... They're cheaper.

[juansolo]

OK not entirely the same thing, but I put the Tonepros on my PRS SE. It was a massive improvement on the stock item (which I accept is a lot different from a proper PRS). Once it's all locked in it's solid as a rock. That thing was just so resonant even unplugged.