darling67 Posted November 16, 2018 Share Posted November 16, 2018 Ok, so… I recently posted about my GAS for the 2019 SG Special. Obviously, it does not have the Tune-a-matic bridge—which is an oddity for me, as every Gibson electric guitar I've owned has had some form of bridge piece in front of the tailpiece. I don't mind the "look" of it, however. But I am curious as to whether or not the playability or tone is any different with the strings strung sans bridge. A friend of mine recently strung his SG (which has a bridge) by feeding the strings through the front of the tailpiece, and wrapped around—like you would a guitar without a bridge. He claimed it played differently that way. Any insights, experiences would be much appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngelDeVille Posted November 16, 2018 Share Posted November 16, 2018 The tone difference between the two is a source of slap fighting among internet experts. Intonation on the wrap around can be a touch wonky especially on a wound vs unwound “G” string, but there are compensated bridges available. It’s kind like the difference between a 3 barrel telecaster bridge and a 6 saddle. (I prefer the 3 barrel) I like the wrap around personally, but they are harder to come by. I think they have the cleanest look. “Top wrapping” a tuna-matic is fine and dandy, but using a flathead screwdriver and elevating the tailpiece has the same effect. (Prepare for more internet slap fighting) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryUK Posted November 16, 2018 Share Posted November 16, 2018 The stop bar tailpiece as on the 52 LP is ok, but there are adjustable versions and compensated versions available now. Gibson have never really advanced their designs. They led with the Les Paul and have sat on it since. The wraparound version, Bonamassa style, is supposed to make bending easier and it stops some problems with string angle to bridge. I have no personal preference as I play whatever I pick up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockgitarristen Posted November 16, 2018 Share Posted November 16, 2018 I also think it's easier to bend and I've never broken a string on my junior but several on les Paul, it's this edge on the tune-o-matic where it almost made to breaking strings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RowdyMoon Posted November 16, 2018 Share Posted November 16, 2018 It's been my personal experience that the type of bridge don't matter....it really does come down to the quality of that one instrument ...I have had some real dogs come and go ( both types of bridges )...that being said I believe that a stop bar style has to be a quality build for it to be good ( feel ,intonation etc ) where as a tune a matic can compensate for a crappy build ( to some degree)...personally I will take a good quality stop bar anyday ..well, as long as it has decent pups in it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merciful-evans Posted November 16, 2018 Share Posted November 16, 2018 I have just seen some video about the new 'Paul's Guitar' (the PRS special). It has a stop bar too. That surprised me, but Mr. Smith's rationale is that it's for improved sustain and tone. These are his words, not mine. Just thought I would pass that on... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darling67 Posted November 16, 2018 Author Share Posted November 16, 2018 Thanks, everyone for your information and insights! I suppose I will have a chance to find out, personally, if I need to join the internet slap fight… as I will be acquiring one of those 2019 SG Specials in the new year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pinch Posted November 17, 2018 Share Posted November 17, 2018 Ok, so… I recently posted about my GAS for the 2019 SG Special. Obviously, it does not have the Tune-a-matic bridge—which is an oddity for me, as every Gibson electric guitar I've owned has had some form of bridge piece in front of the tailpiece. I don't mind the "look" of it, however. But I am curious as to whether or not the playability or tone is any different with the strings strung sans bridge. A friend of mine recently strung his SG (which has a bridge) by feeding the strings through the front of the tailpiece, and wrapped around—like you would a guitar without a bridge. He claimed it played differently that way. Any insights, experiences would be much appreciated. Huh? Bridge piece in front of the tailpiece? Never tried the wraparound thing... The strings touch the bridge on my Tribute, so I considered it for a minute. I decided in favor of sanity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darling67 Posted November 18, 2018 Author Share Posted November 18, 2018 Huh? Bridge piece in front of the tailpiece? Never tried the wraparound thing... The strings touch the bridge on my Tribute, so I considered it for a minute. I decided in favor of sanity. Not sure how he did it. But it worked for him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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