Tune-O-Matic Bridge on an SJ200?

[albertjohn]

Macaris in Charing Cross Road.

 

In their window they had a 12 string Hummingbird and an SJ200 which had a tune-o-matic bridge/saddle - yes just like my old ES335!

 

I had never seen either of these in the flesh before. I knew they produced a 12er Bird but never seen that saddle on an acoustic. And this was a brand new guitar too.

 

Is this a new idea or something Gibson have done in the past?

[E-minor7]

Pete Townshends 60'ties SJ-200 (the one that broke down against his will) had it. Think I saw one in the Beatles camp as well.

[BigKahune]

Yep, 60s - here's a 1964 -

 

[J-1854Me]

Not a new idea, nor a particularly good one in terms of tone. They introduced and had the tune-a-matic bridge on some models in the '60s, I want to say starting about 1964. I don't know that they retained that bridge past about 1970, but maybe it was available as a option, because certainly, not all Gibson acoustics had it.

 

Generally considered to be a tone-stealing dumb idea; nevertheless, I have played a Gibson or two with that bridge, and they -- despite the wisdom of the ages -- sounded pretty good. Go figure, but there it is!

 

So, in slavish obedience to tradition, I guess there were a number of re-issues produced at Bozeman, I think including the Pete Townshend J-200 model. I think his was a '66 or a '68, something like that. A mid-sixties re-issue was also built for the Japanese market where attention to detail was paramount.

 

Speaking of which, if only my '51 J-185 re-issue had the slot-through saddle....<sigh>

 

Fred

[rar]

Adding the Tune-o-matic was part of the suite of disastrous changes made to the J-200 in 1961. I think it remained (at least as an an option) until Bozeman took over guitar production.

 

This wasn't Gibson's worst idea ever, but it's up there.

 

-- Bob R

[E-minor7]

This might be Harrisons. It was bought in US, and the rumour claims it's the same as the one seen on Nashville Skyline.">

[zombywoof]

Adding the Tune-o-matic was part of the suite of disastrous changes made to the J-200 in 1961. I think it remained (at least as an an option) until Bozeman took over guitar production.

 

This wasn't Gibson's worst idea ever, but it's up there.

 

-- Bob R

 

No that honor would probably go to the floating brace they screwed to the top of the J-200 in 1961. Luckily, it was easy to remove.

[E-minor7]

It's too far out that this prestigious brand featured so many dubious bridge concepts up through the 60'ties. No wonder Paul Simon finally had to write a major anthem 'bout the issue in 1970.

[BigKahune]

It's too far out that this prestigious brand featured so many dubious bridge concepts up through the 60'ties. No wonder Paul Simon finally had to write a major anthem 'bout the issue in 1970.

 

Reaching a bit there . . . but okay. :)

[Johnt]

Macaris in Charing Cross Road.

 

In their window they had a 12 string Hummingbird and an SJ200 which had a tune-o-matic bridge/saddle - yes just like my old ES335!

 

I had never seen either of these in the flesh before. I knew they produced a 12er Bird but never seen that saddle on an acoustic. And this was a brand new guitar too.

 

Is this a new idea or something Gibson have done in the past?

 

 

PM me if you recall what they were asking for the 'bird .....PF?

 

Mucko grassyarse!

[QuestionMark]

I played a vintage one with a tune-o-matic bridge just last week in a music store. I was very surprised how much it deadened the volume for such a large guitar. I've played a few J-200s over the years without tune-o-matics and seem to recall those were really booming loud guitars.

 

QM aka Jazzman Jeff

[albertjohn]

PM me if you recall what they were asking for the 'bird .....PF?

 

Mucko grassyarse!

 

From memory, it was in the mid £2ks. Lovely looking beast and a brand new custom order. Expect they'll do some kind of deal though. Let me know if you fancy a trip so we can both give it a once over.

 

I'll swing by and check the price next time I'm passing.