535 mods

[strings]

ive read a post stating that "upgrading to better" stoptail, and bridge assm's bring out extra tone in the 535, as compared to the stock set up? has someone done this , and if so whats up with it, what would you recommend etc.

[NoNameBand]

ive read a post stating that "upgrading to better" stoptail, and bridge assm's bring out extra tone in the 535, as compared to the stock set up? has someone done this , and if so whats up with it, what would you recommend etc.

 

I have a 535 and replaced the bridge and stop-tail piece with locking ones from TonePros. The locking models screw down to the posts with allen screws and are more rigid. This transfers more string energy to the wood and equates to more sound and sustain of the guitar and less waisted energy. As a peripheral benefit, the bridge and tail piece will not move when changing strings, so no more accidental adjustment changes. You can check them out at Marquis Distribution (see link).

 

www.marquisdistribution.com

 

I recommend this as an upgrade.

[H]

I don't know about 'extra tone' but the TonePros bridge and tailpiece lock to the studs, preventing them falling off when you change strings.

 

I prefer the look of them to the Schaller hardware.

 

[Hfan]

No arguments about replacing the tailpiece. If the roller bridge is replaced you do lose the side to side adjust-ability of that bridge. The tone pros can be purchased pre notched or unnotched. Some replace the tailpiece and leave the roller bridge. I am considering this for my 157.

 

My luthier actually likes the roller bridge, you do have to watch it's moving on its own though during string changes etc.. Another reason I tend to like mine is because it is already paid for.

[Joey]

I changed the bridge on my H555 to a Callaham and the stop tail to a Tone Pro. There is a very definite improvement in tone which is very evident when you play the guitar acoustically. It went from a banjo sound to an acoustic guitar tone. This gets better when amplified.

[GuitArtMan]

I changed the bridge on my H555 to a Callaham and the stop tail to a Tone Pro. There is a very definite improvement in tone which is very evident when you play the guitar acoustically. It went from a banjo sound to an acoustic guitar tone. This gets better when amplified.

I've been very curious about the Callaham ABR-1 bridge. I LOVE his strat hardware, but the stainless steel ABR-1 is a big departure from "vintage correctness". It's not that expensive, but I just don't play my Les Paul much these days so I can't justify it.

[koula901]

I've read that the tone pros increase sustain.

[sheetsofsound]

voodoo...

[Joey]

As an addendum to my previous comments, I forgot to mention the increase in sustain with the Callaham hardware. I actually first used a Callaham bridge on my Tele and was impressed with the tone and sustain improvement which lead me to trying his AB1 bridge on my Heritage. To say the least, I am sold on Callaham products.

[Guest HRB853370]

As an addendum to my previous comments, I forgot to mention the increase in sustain with the Callaham hardware. I actually first used a Callaham bridge on my Tele and was impressed with the tone and sustain improvement which lead me to trying his AB1 bridge on my Heritage. To say the least, I am sold on Callaham products.

 

I had a 62 ri strat with a Callaham trem block, was supposed to increase sustain but I could not tell any difference over the stock setup.

[bolero]

I think most people just prefer the look & fell of a vintage correct bridge/tailpiece

[FredZepp]

I think most people just prefer the look & fell of a vintage correct bridge/tailpiece

Yes, that was the reason for me... I changed the tailpiece on my 150's for appearance only. They still sound the same to me. But I prefer the feel of a Schaller bridge against my right hand, so I left those on.