Is it worth it to "upgrade" a TOM bridge?

[wickenspoet]

Might be a silly question...

Is it worth it to upgrade a standard no name bridge to something like a Gotoh bridge?

What makes a name brand bridge "better" than a no name brand bridge? Besides string saddle adjustments... aren't all bridges considered fundamentally the same?

[mrturtle_91]

Might be a silly question...

Is it worth it to upgrade a standard no name bridge to something like a Gotoh bridge?

What makes a name brand bridge "better" than a no name brand bridge? Besides string saddle adjustments... aren't all bridges considered fundamentally the same?

In the end all bridges do the same thing. If it were me I wouldn't bother upgrading the tail piece, but the bridge itself could be worth an upgrade. Higher quality materials can often improve the overall tone and feel of the guitar. Some bridges can be more adjustable than others as well. Roller saddles may also be a plus for some people.

[Fresh_Start]

How well does the top piece of the bridge fit onto the posts? If there's a lot of slop, that robs you of tone. Also, different materials can make a difference. Do your intonation adjustments work well with tight screws & saddles, or are the saddles flopping around?

Chip

[hamerfan]

If you have an ABR Bridge i would consider the FlameMaple Mod (search on the LesPaulForum for that). Changing out the short brass studs for longer stainless steel ones brings more sustain and clearness/attack.
Also the stop tailpiece made of alu makes brighter and brings zing!

[Nightburst]

It might be worthwhile, depends on what you have now.
Most replacement bridges out there use some kind of zink alloy and brass saddles. This is also what comes stock on Gibson's. I think those are made by Schaller.
Most replacement bridges use the Nashville concept that eliminates the use for that 'wire/spring' that keeps the saddles in place if you change strings or break one in the middle of a gig. Some people claim it to cause ratlle/buzz.
Replacement bridges will be more likely to be made with tighter tolerances so they will be more stable have better intonation range and are less likely to cause rattle/buzz.
Tonewise they should only make a difference if the materials being used are different those steel bridges.

An aluminum tailpiece is a direct upgrade that you will hear.

[Jessie's ghost]

I've replaced stock Epiphone bridges with either TonePros or the non-locking Gotoh equivalent, and it's a huge improvement in tone to me. If you do a scratch test on the underside of each bridge (and I have), you'll see how much softer the Epiphone base metal and plating are than the Gotoh-built bridges.

[Jeff_H]

I've replaced stock Epiphone bridges with either TonePros or the non-locking Gotoh equivalent, and it's a huge improvement in tone to me. If you do a scratch test on the underside of each bridge (and I have), you'll see how much softer the Epiphone base metal and plating are than the Gotoh-built bridges.

Word.

[Aceman]

IMO - not unless it is a real POS. But there are real POS out there. An epi bridge? Generally I wouldn't.

But - if you are a huge stickler for precision intonation and locking bridges - go for it.

[jmh151]

Acoustically I hear a huge difference with an aluminum tailpiece. The guitar resonates brighter and louder.

[eschoendorff]

IMO - not unless it is a real POS. But there are real POS out there. An epi bridge? Generally I wouldn't.

But - if you are a huge stickler for precision intonation and locking bridges - go for it.

Been considering this myself. I have an Epi V that the bridge is just fine. but the Epi LP studio prolly could benefit from a Tone Pros...

Anyone know what Tone Pros bridge would be a direct fit on an Epi?

[Jeff_H]

Been considering this myself. I have an Epi V that the bridge is just fine. but the Epi LP studio prolly could benefit from a Tone Pros...

Anyone know what Tone Pros bridge would be a direct fit on an Epi?

IIRC, Tone Pros makes a metric version of the standard ABR bridge and tailpiece. That should be what you need for the Epi, but the parts supplier you buy from can tell you for sure.

I always upgraded all of my Gibson Les Pauls with locking Tone Pros bridges and tailpieces. I also prefer the sound of the lightweight aluminum tailpieces.

As for the question of is it worth it on an Epi....only you can answer that. I believe it's worth it, but that's just one of many opinions. A dollar plus all of our opinions will buy you a cup of coffee.