The Gretsch Pages: Discussions: General tech questions: Adjust-O-Matic Bridges

Welcome to the Gretsch Pages

Adjust-O-Matic Bridges

- Rated: 0 ↑
Sep 15, 2008 5:27 p.m. 909one:

I put a cheap Adjust-o-Matic on my '67 Anniversary. Originally it had the space roller bridge. The AOM solved some the problems I was having, but now it buzzes like crazy on the b and g string. The bridge saddles are loose I think and vibrate with the strings.

I know there have been multiple posts about bridges on here, but I am new to the forum and can't find the search function, if there is there one.

Has anyone found a solution to the buzzing AOM bridge problem? I was thinking of trying Tone-pros, but not sure to go with the Tune-o-Matic or the Nashville version. Has anyone tried the Tone-Pros stuff on their Gretsch?

I read some very curious posts about these bar bridges that someone is making on the forum, but I not sure if that's the way I want to go. With the space-roller bridge, the strings tend to pop off the bridge more than the AOM, and I am guessing this could be the case with a bar type bridge.
- Rated: 92 ↑
Sep 15, 2008 6:38 p.m. Pappy:

That's the first I've ever heard of strings popping off the space control. I don't doubt you or anything, but would love to see pictures of the bridge, if you don't mind. The space control's my favorite bridge and I'm always interested in people's opinion about it.
- Rated: 0 ↑
Sep 15, 2008 8:54 p.m. 909one:

I don't think there is enough tension on the strings coming down off the bridge to the bigsby. I am afriad its do to the neck angle, which means its going to have be reset at some point. The bridge sits pretty low in comparision to other Gretsches I have owned. Ironically, I like the guitar better with the bridge a little lower. The only thing that has bothered me about Gretsches in general is how high the bridge ends up being from the body with the floating bridge.

Regardless of that issue, I tried putting the space roller bridge back on the guitar a few weeks ago, and the tone compared to the Adjust-o-matic was much worse IMO. It was actually quieter, less focused and had less sustain. Its definitely a cool looking bridge though.
- Rated: 4 ↑
Sep 16, 2008 1:38 a.m. kristian012:

Other people on the GDP have suggested painting the screws with clear nail polish. I have tried this with great success with my Hotrod. I reccomend giving that a try.
- Rated: 92 ↑
Sep 16, 2008 7:01 a.m. Pappy:

909one, I see what you're saying.
- Rated: 0 ↑
Sep 16, 2008 11:06 a.m. 909one:

Awesome, I'll give that a try! That's an easy fix. The hard part is going to be buying the nail polish.
- Rated: 4 ↑
Sep 17, 2008 1:45 a.m. kristian012:

Buying it will indeed be the hard part 909one. Unless you paint your nails of course!
- Rated: 16 ↑
Sep 17, 2008 9:25 p.m. Gretschadelphia:

As an experienced adjustomatic nail polisher...make sure you get regular clear nail polish...don't get the top coat stuff because it's too thin. The regular polish is a bit thicker and does a better job and doesn't run.

You'll need to log in to post.