Good bridge and tailpiece for a LP Studio 2004

[nazadian]

Hello,

I was planning on upgrading my LP and was hoping I could get some recommendations on a good bridge and tailpiece set for my LP Studio 2004 (model number: 00054635). I've currently settled on upgrading my pickups to Wolfetone Legends and wiring to Jonesy's Jimmy Page wiring kit, but haven't yet found a good bridge and tailpiece.

- I was initially planning on purchasing a Babicz bridge, but emailed them a few times with questions and haven't heard a thing for weeks. I've also read posts from people complaining that the bridge can lead to string breakages.

- I looked into GraphTech's ResoMax bridge and tailpiece, but read posts from users complaining that the bridge saddles negatively affected their tone. Others also complained about the hardware workmanship,

- I looked into TonePros' lightweight locking bridge and tailpiece, but was put off by the use of overpriced Gotoh parts.

- I looked into Callaham's cold steel bridge and tailpiece, but read posts from users complaining that the bridge and tailpiece either didn't do much for their sound or darkened their sound.

- I looked into Gibson's TP-6 but read posts from users complaining that the TP-6 was a tone-sucker.

- Pigtail's and Fabers ToneLock look interesting, but the occasional bad review leaves me a little unsure.

I'd prefer a bridge and tailpiece set that:

1. Helps with intonation.
2. Increases sustain.
3. Increases clarity.
4. Has some locking functionality (especially on the tailpiece).

...but most importantly of all:

1. Does not require any modification to the guitar body.
2. Costs no more than 300 dollars (this includes all necessary hardware).

Thank you,
Nelson

 

[ARandall]

Tonepros would be my recommendation - they do good stuff, they work well have have a good tonality. I'm not quite sure what you mean by your statement about this brand.
You can buy a locking bridge and tailpiece as a 'unit'. You'll want a nashville tuneomatic bridge, and the larger 1/2" diameter tailpiece studs.

FWIW, you seem almost to have read too much in the way of opinions here. You can always find someone who completely rubbishes a product, and also who raves uncontrollably about it. These need to be somewhat ignored, as you'll just end up majorly confused (or in your case, convinced that every brand is rubbish). Also people's guitars, rigs and ears are all different. As are their expectations on what an upgrade 'should' do to their guitar's tone.

 

[1981 LPC]

Faber all the way. Very good value for money, their iNsert kit especially.

http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/custom-shop/286058-review-faber-locking-abr-bridge.html
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/cus...aber-tone-lock-studs-aluminium-tailpiece.html
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/tonefreaks/284069-review-faber-insert.html

 

[Tomsmenace]

Faber

 

[Lucidsounds]

Agree, Faber. Be good to know if you have your bridge set high - if so I'd recommend a Faber ABR as it allows you to screw the tail down further without the strings hitting the back of the bridge.

 

[Pwrmac7600]

Tonepros but instead of the locking tailpiece, get the locking tailpiece studs. much better point to point contact. Personally I could care less who makes them, I have them on all of my les pauls, and they are a great product.
As for the Graphtechs, you really need to try their saddles before you make a decision about how the negatively affect the tone. What some consider negative, others consider positive. They remove the harshness from the tone, and the change is so slight, most probably don't even notice a difference. and again I have these on all of my les pauls as well.

 

[nazadian]

Thank you everyone for your recommendations.

I'll focus a bit more on Faber and TonePros's.

Nelson

 

[GySgtFTL]

Is there something wrong with the bridge and tailpiece that came on it stock?

 

[tzd]

This one has rave reviews from several members here on MLP (hence why I saved the link, but I haven't tried it myself) and it's dirt cheap too USA Gibson fit Nickel Tuneomatic Bridge- BRASS Saddles- OUR BEST!

 

[LPstandardplus]

in the member classified section I have set of virtually brand new TonePros polished chrome
locking Tail Piece plus Bridge set for sale, $70 total and I pay shipping.

My new Standard Plus I bought I month ago came with locking TonePros
and so I had bought a set two months ago for my then Studio, not knowing that I would end up buying the StandPlus so quickly.

you can email at

[email protected] if you are interested

 

[Coldacre]

Faber all the way. best hardware on the market.

 

[nazadian]

@GySgtFTL: The last time I had my guitar set up, the luthier had a tough time getting the guitar intonated. Even after everything he did, the guitar still wasn't fully intonated. The saddles also look worn out / scratched up so I thought it'd be a good idea to upgrade the bridge and tailpiece (since I'm also going to upgrade the pickups and wiring).

Furthermore, reading the various threads on this forum (as well as others) has helped me see that the stock bridge and tailpiece on a Gibson isn't all that good compared to an aftermarket bridge and tailpiece.

Nelson

 

[LPstandardplus]

nazadian, did you see my post above? your problem is solved, and cheaply

you do know that TonePros are excellent locking tail piece and bridges?

just making sure you know, not pushing anything, they will sell regardless....

 

[rikko]

Faber FTW!

 

[nazadian]

@LPstandardplus: I did see your post.

Thank you for the offer, but I've decided on picking up the Faber ToneLock bridge and tailpiece.

Nelson

 

[rikko]

If you install it yourself-
check your current hole depth!
You may need to drill them a little deeper.

KEEP US POSTED!

 

[02589]

I'm a Faber guy too. To do it right does require some careful drilling and tapping though. If I read your note right, you're looking for strictly bolt on parts. If so, you might want to look at TonePros.

You can cheap out on Faber for easier installation. My opinion is that it will not sound as good.

 

[1981 LPC]

You can cheap out on Faber for easier installation. My opinion is that it will not sound as good.

What do you mean?

 

[R8 Pilot]

FWIW..a lot of famous bands that play Gibson's fit TonePros.

Check out Rig Rundown on You Tube and familiarize yourself with what professional musicians use.

The ones that do it for a living is always a good guide to the stuff that works.

 

[politenessman]

faber advertises how their studs and installation kits are german steel, which is better than the gibson zinc/aluminum studs and bushings and "tone enhancing". then they make their bridges and tailpieces out of zinc and aluminum.
callaham are all steel.
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