Might be an odd question but I genuinely don’t know the answer, generally being a ‘Fender’ man and all.
Does something exist to replace a tuneomatic that isn’t a tuneomatic or derivative (like roller bridges etc). Something like the Mastery or the weird bridge some customs shop Jazzmasters have, kind of like a wraparound but without the wrapping bit. Basically, no moving parts. Is this a thing??
Reason I ask is I’m currently struggling with he bridge on my Yamaha SA503TVL (which has a weird TOM-alike itself) as it’s quite plinky and rattle-y as it is. I’ve thought about a better quality bridge like a Gotoh and have tried one of those Wilkinson-style roller bridges but it just gave the guitar weird sitar-like overtones (though the Bigsby worked much better!!)
Any thoughts? Am I barking up an non-existent tree??
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EDIT: Strat-type vibratos work by wobbling the bridge. The Bigsby pulls the strings tighter or relaxes the tension hence the strings have to move across the bridge saddle. That's why I think a roller would be superior.
Seriously: If you value it, take/fetch it yourself
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(formerly customkits)
the TOM bridge does just look like any other, with a few subtle differences like the radiused top - but its very well made
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(formerly customkits)
https://m.thomann.de/gb/babicz_fch_tune_o_matic_bridge_c.htm#bewertung
Being able to set the string height individually is what appeals most I think. I like that on Fenders. It's perhaps less suitable for a traditional design.
also, it comes with shims to match the carve - full contact is quite difficult to achieve on a carved top
Edit - i just watched the installation video and i am really surprised they make such a big deal of "full contact" but don't do anything about the tailpiece???
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