Paladin2019
New member
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2004
- Messages
- 203
Hello LPF. I need an opinion from the experts.
I have a Tokai LP clone (boo, hiss, etc.) which has gone through 3 bridges in its almost two-decade existence; the stock Gotoh and two tone-pros AVR2's. All of them sagged in the middle, lowering the D and G strings relative to their neighbours. A well-documented problem and I can straighten the bridge out easily enough with a vise, but obviously this only works a couple of times because of metal fatigue.
I don't really know what I'm doing wrong. I use 11-53 strings but the tailpiece isn't ridiculously low, in fact I use Faber TP studs and I use the tallest spacer rings that came with them. I've tried top wrapping but I despise it.
So I'm in the market for a bridge which WILL NOT BEND. Tone and vintage styling be damned, I just need invincibility and I'll take it at any cost. I've narrowed it down to two possibilities. First, the Callaham. Awesome design, and has locking grub screws as a bonus, but expensive. Are they really as sag-proof as they claim? Have any of my fellow serial saggers had success with these? Anything else worth knowing about them?
Second option, the ABM 2500 series, made in Germany. Half the price of the Callaham but same idea (CNC'd from solid metal), no locking screws but I can machine those in myself. They come in a choice of steel or brass bodies, but the brass models are more widely available. How would brass compare to steel in terms of bend-proofing? Anyone have any experience with this brand they can share?
And finally, is there a third option?
Thanks for looking!
I have a Tokai LP clone (boo, hiss, etc.) which has gone through 3 bridges in its almost two-decade existence; the stock Gotoh and two tone-pros AVR2's. All of them sagged in the middle, lowering the D and G strings relative to their neighbours. A well-documented problem and I can straighten the bridge out easily enough with a vise, but obviously this only works a couple of times because of metal fatigue.
I don't really know what I'm doing wrong. I use 11-53 strings but the tailpiece isn't ridiculously low, in fact I use Faber TP studs and I use the tallest spacer rings that came with them. I've tried top wrapping but I despise it.
So I'm in the market for a bridge which WILL NOT BEND. Tone and vintage styling be damned, I just need invincibility and I'll take it at any cost. I've narrowed it down to two possibilities. First, the Callaham. Awesome design, and has locking grub screws as a bonus, but expensive. Are they really as sag-proof as they claim? Have any of my fellow serial saggers had success with these? Anything else worth knowing about them?
Second option, the ABM 2500 series, made in Germany. Half the price of the Callaham but same idea (CNC'd from solid metal), no locking screws but I can machine those in myself. They come in a choice of steel or brass bodies, but the brass models are more widely available. How would brass compare to steel in terms of bend-proofing? Anyone have any experience with this brand they can share?
And finally, is there a third option?
Thanks for looking!