Gotoh vs. TonePros TOM

[runtfan]

Greetings all. 

Does anyone know the reason why the TonePros TOM bridge is 2-3 times the price of the Gotoh?  I plan on building my first Warmoth in the next few months, and I am planning out the components.

Also, assuming a TOM bridge and a GraphTec nut, is there a compelling reason for locking tuners?  String changing made easier perhaps?  I was leaning toward Sperzels.

I've played guitar for years, and while I have plenty of wiring experience, I haven't done much of the tech stuff.  Dan Erlewine's book will be my first purchase!

 

[mayfly]

Hi Runtfan, and welcome.

Can't comment on the TOM choices, but I will tell you that locking tuners are worth it.  I love them and use them on every build that I've done.

I'm partial to the PlanetWaves auto trim tuners.  They are NOT a gimmick - they work really well. 

Lastly, if you're at all skilled with your hands and you read Dan's book - you'll have no trouble.  Just take your time and don't get in a rush and things will go well.

 

[Superlizard]

I'd recommend the Schaller Mini Locking tuners over the Sperzels - for the simple fact that the Sperzels lock-turn knob is very thin and can hurt when you tighten it... as opposed to the Schallers, which have a thick, knurled lock-turn knob which is much easier on the fingers.

 

[jackthehack]

The only differentil between the TonePros and Gotoh TOM bridges are that both the bridge and stop tailpiece have lockdown screws and won't fall off if you remove all the strings. That's not worth 3-4 times the price to me; I've only seen the chrome version (came with an eBay body) and there's no great differentiation in the metal finish to justify the added cost; can't testify to the black or chrome.

I may use the recessed model on a build bit wouldn't waste the extra money on a TOM/Stop bar setup.

Planet Waves autotrim locking tuners are the tits; try a set and you'll never use anything else.

Superlizard - If the Sperzel locking knobs hurt your fingers, how can you play a steel stringed guitar?

 

[ocguy106]

Like others said the only differance is the set screws on the TonesPros. I did a strig thru with reseccesed TOM Graptech nut and Sprezals just as you are thinking of and it stays in tune better then any guitar I have ever played in the past. In the grand scheem of the build I would spend the extra cash for the TonePros just because of the set screws. Makes it easier when you change your strings to take them all off at once and not have to worry about messing up the action.

Ken

 

[runtfan]

Thanks to all for the feedback - it is very much appreciated!  I'm sold on the PW tuners, and leaning toward the Gotoh TOM.

Quick question:
If I choose the recessed TonePros, and found a body in the showcase already routed for a regular TOM, could they route it for the recessed after the fact?  I know it's a question best asked to Warmoth, but I hate to bother them with endless questions without having bought anything from them yet.  (I've already called them a few times)

 

[jackthehack]

Thanks to all for the feedback - it is very much appreciated!  I'm sold on the PW tuners, and leaning toward the Gotoh TOM.

Quick question:
If I choose the recessed TonePros, and found a body in the showcase already routed for a regular TOM, could they route it for the recessed after the fact?  I know it's a question best asked to Warmoth, but I hate to bother them with endless questions without having bought anything from them yet.  (I've already called them a few times)

Don't think that's feasible; if it's a hardtail without any bridge routing, that could work, but if already routed for TOM/Stop tailpiece, there's no good way to fill in the stop talipiece bushings routes and the neck pocket would already be angled for the regular TOM.

 

[Superlizard]

Superlizard - If the Sperzel locking knobs hurt your fingers, how can you play a steel stringed guitar?

Hell, you tell me.

When you've got a knob that has a very thin edge and is practically serrated, it's not gonna be very comfortable to tighten; let alone grip:

OTOH, the Schallers are big and knurled:

It's obvious which one is more finger-friendly.