So I installed Tonepros Locking Studs for PRS wraparound last month

guitarfishbay

I fitted these to my PRS's last month.  http://www.tonepros.com/sprs2-tonepros-standard-locking-studs-for-prs/

The reason for fitting is to allow me to lock in my setup if I remove the tension from all strings (or remove them completely).  Masking tape works as a quick fix, but I figured these were worth a look for in theory 100% reliability.  Some people have also claimed tonal improvements, the theory being greater surface area connection between bridge and stud.

Here is the bridge on the original studs.  As you can see there is a tiny bit of lean, this is not an issue.  The studs do not fit 100% tight or else you couldn't adjust the height of the bridge independently.

Here is a view showing the top side, original studs.

Studs comparison.  Left is original, right is Tonepros.  This is pre install, the Tonepros comes pre grooved.

The Tonepros is square at the base, and the top screws on (to lock it).  Here is it disassembled.

This is the tool used to adjust height on the Tonepros bridge.  It is dual purpose, not only does it act like a spanner it also is the correct width to adjust the top locking flathead slot.  The tool is quite thin to allow it to get underneath a bridge on a guitar.  It is a little fiddly to adjust when the bridge is on, but it works ok.

Here are some views with the studs installed and locked down.

As you can see, when locked down the bridge angle is flatter.

When adjusting setup you still should slacken the strings before unscrewing the top nut, then you can use the spanner on the base to move it.  Then rescrew the top before tuning back up.

So, are they worth it?

For functionality - yes.  They allow you to lock the bridge height in meaning you can do what you want and it won't budge.  The only negative is the adjustment tool is specialised so you have to look after it.

For tone/feel reasons - no, or yes.  It depends.

Was there a feel difference?  Yes.  I think this is almost entirely because the bridge now doesn't have any lean and this marginally makes the guitar feel a little more snappy.

For tone?  I really couldn't tell any difference.  To begin with I thought there was, but then I re-measured and discovered I'd installed the studs marginally higher, thus giving greater string clearance and tension.  Once I'd adjusted it back down to the old levels I really couldn't tell any noticeable difference.  Maybe a tiny bit more 'solid' sounding but I think so much of that is just the slight change in feel.

I feel like people who say they make a big difference must have installed them at slightly different heights to the old studs, thus changing setup.  I do think feel influences how we perceive tone, to some extent - especially when we're talking minor differences.

Personally I do not think they are worth installing for tone reasons, but for practical reasons they are worth considering.

FelineGuitars

They help guarantee as decent a break angle over the saddles as is possible so worth doing for that reason alone.

stonevibe

I've owned loads of Tone Pro bridges and would say for me its most positive aspect, is not watching your bridge fall off when you re-string your guitar.

But that is about it really.

Re-branded Schaller made hardware with 'locking' parts usually for a lot of their lines.

I am quite partial to their slightly higher ratio Kluson tuners though...

xmrchi

Great write up, the  is it just me?...or does the metal looks a lot cheaper than the originals?

guitarfishbay

mrchi said:

Great write up, the  is it just me?...or does the metal looks a lot cheaper than the originals?

Cheers.

Yeah I noticed that too but I don't think it matters in real terms.

PRS parts are definitely expensive, but they are nice.

I've also been able to compare the Tonepros adjustable wraparound with the PRS counterpart (though not on the same guitar).  Again I think the PRS part is nicer, smoother design (physically and aesthetically) and slightly easier to restring.  But in real terms both work absolutely fine and I'd only really recommend considering the PRS part if you were convinced you wanted to keep the guitar long term.

xmrchi

Real terms is where it counts, but its still great to see a Manufacturer stay on top in terms of quality compared to aftermarket items ...its usually the other way round

Plus EMGS in a PRS..Good work, 

Sassafras

I prefer the look of the original PRS assembly but I guess if the Tonepros give a more stable fit then that can't be a bad thing.

guitarfishbay

Update - I've snapped a wrench by using the smaller wrench part to lock the top rather than the thicker handle. Completely stupid of me but in fairness it did feel as if the tool was strong enough to not reverse it before locking.

So make sure when locking you use the handle in the slot, not the wrench part...

Otherwise I'm still happy with the studs themselves.

Paul_C

I replaced some broken studs for a customer who had his wrap-around bridge strung with some heavy strings . . . and they promptly broke again . . . twice.

The design (unless they've changed it) creates a weak spot in the top piece which I wasn't impressed with, hopefully they've made changes to make things a bit stronger.

If you need another tool I have a couple of spares here somewhere.

guitarfishbay

If you only lock/unlock with no tension I don't see how the stud itself could break looking at the ones I have. They seem ok to me. Usually if something is easily breakable then it is only a matter of time until I break it, so far so good.

Given how critical it is to have the tool I'd definitely be interested, I'll PM you.

Barry

Got a PRS SE 245 today used from Ebay. The Guitar has a Tone Pro bridge, but the seller included the oem part. I read where the Tone pro screw heads are breaking, but this seems to be an over tighening issue. The OEM bridge has slack in the mounting studs, allowing it to lean forward and give you a slight buzz on the high E. The Tone Pro allows you to take up that slack, but it should be barely more than hand tight. Looks like you could use the Tone Pro studs and the OEM bridge to correct the forward lean problem, but I haven't tried it. The other advantage is that the Tone Pro has individual string intonation adjustments. Designing the screw head so that it breaks before you strip threads is probably a good idea. Just remember that hand tight will keep the bridge from leaning forward and that's the point of the upgrade. (plus intonation). I sticking with it for now.