Tremolo Bridge for LP (Regal) Body Build - Not FR/Bigsby

[GuitarGodNot]

I'm looking into options for my 2nd Warmoth build with a LP (Regal) body.

I want a tremolo bridge but I'm not a Floyd Rose or Bigsby fan. My concern of course is tuning stability (I know the FR's are stable but they are a hassle).
I've looked into these so far:
- Kahler 2300, top routing required
- Schaller Tremolo Les Paul, 2 post retro-fit
- Stetsbar Stop Top model, 2 post retro-fit
- Super Vee, too expensive!

I'm not sure if any of the strat type tremolo bridges would work or not.

If you've had any experience with the above or any suggestions would be much appreciated!!!

 

[Logrinn]

I haven't actually tried the Schaller one, but I had a look at it IRL at a recent guitar show and it looks really impressive (like all Schaller stuff).

You can't see it on the image but it's got several (5 or 6?) small springs on the under side. What you can see are the roller bridge saddles. I have been seriously thinking about this one for a future build.

 

[bagman67]

That is a handsome looking part.

 

[Cagey]

Not only is it handsome, with the bridge itself anchored like that, I'll bet it sounds like a hardtail. If the tailpiece portion returns to neutral reliably, that could be a helluva thing.

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

I saw some of those on Reverb & they got my attention right away!

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

That would go quite nice on Wylie's old LP that he's selling on Reverb.

https://reverb.com/item/2985892-warmoth-jimmy-page-single-cutaway-custom-2015-root-beer-burst

 

[mayfly]

Maybe I need one of those on my LP JR! - well I need to check if it will fit the bridge studs..

 

[rgand]

That looks like it could be a really good bridge. Especially if it does sound like a hardtail.

 

[TBurst Std]

Odd that bridge came up as I just found it a few days ago while plotting a PGK LP special build.

 

[Cagey]

Looks like it borrows a bit from the Bladerunner design, in that it has the spring steel plate connecting the movable string anchor part to the stationary bridge part instead of using coiled counterbalancing springs...

I don't see a way to adjust for different gauge string sets, which leads me to believe that spring is pretty stiff. They also say in the description that it's only for light range work, so no Eddie Van Wailin' fans need apply. Finally, retrofit applications aren't as clean as one might hope. You have a leftover tailpiece, which they give you hold-down screws for so you can keep it installed for I guess decorative purposes. Also, since Pauls normally ground at the tailpiece, they provide a strap so you can hook the the tailpiece to the bridge electrically...

If you're still interested, MSRP runs between $230 and $280. For more detail, the cut page is here.

 

[GuitarGodNot]

Per Cagey: "They also say in the description that it's only for light range work, so no Eddie Van Wailin' fans need apply. Finally, retrofit applications aren't as clean as one might hope. You have a leftover tailpiece, which they give you hold-down screws for so you can keep it installed for I guess decorative purposes."

Thanks for the feedback so far!
I don't have a need for shredder's tremolo where I'm going to be dive bombing and crap. I have more of a Gilmour style of playing.
I totally agree the retro-fit applications look "clunky". I would prefer a non-retrofit tremolo and since this is a build I can do that. But it would be kind of nice to be able to go back to a hard tail, if I ever decide to sell it, it might make it more desirable to the purists. On the other hand I'm building this for ME!

 

[Cagey]

If you like the bridge otherwise, bear in mind that while it's intended to be a retrofit for a guitar type (Les Paul & similar) that generally doesn't have a vibrato bridge, that's not necessarily what it has to be. You don't need to mount the tailpiece at all, and you can ground the bridge via its bushings rather than the through the tailpiece bushings as is done on a Les Paul.

What that means is if you're building new, then you don't have to drill for and install a tailpiece you don't need. Drill for the bridge mounting post bushings, run a ground line to one of those, and you're done.

 

[GuitarGodNot]

Got it! The Schaller is definitely an option. I'm wondering if anyone out there has had any experience with this one. Tuning stability?

 

[Cagey]

In looking around, it appears that bridge was used primarily in Europe, and not extensively even there. LP-style guitars just don't often get equipped with any kind of vibrato bridge. Traditionally, vibratos have been sustain-eaters and LPs are often used because of their legendary sustain. Gibson offered a limited edition LP "BFG" (I don't know what that stands for) with that bridge installed, but it doesn't seem to have been too popular. Looks like it was only for a year. The guitar was surprisingly fugly for a Gibson, which may have had something to do with it.

My guess is since the bridge is solidly bolted to the body and has limited range that if you have your nut set up properly and use locking tuners you won't suffer the loss of sustain or erratic tuning that often accompanies vibrato bridges.

 

[GuitarGodNot]

I'm sure the LP purists cringe at the thought of adding a vibrato/tremolo bridge (besides a Bigsby) with the argument of loss of sustain. Which would be a concern for me also.
I have seen that "BFG" with the tremolo. Also ESP makes some LP style guitars with a tremolo bridge.
Gibson recently (2017) has/had a limited run of the Axcess LP with a Floyd Rose and there is/was a Alex Lifeson model. The body has been cut-up and contoured. They go for over $4000. I've read good things about them but you never know how much is hype.
After my 1st Warmoth build, I've been so happy with it (after all my tweaking), I told myself I'd probably never buy another guitar from a guitar shop.

 

[pabloman]

Check out the Les Trem. Deusenberg offers a version of it. It seems reasonably priced and looks better than most other options. Also it's a much cleaner looking retrofit.

 

[GuitarGodNot]

That is spiffy looking. I will add that one to my list.
Thanks!