The Gretsch Pages: Discussions: Other Equipment: Tru-Arc Bridge Demo Sound Clips

Tru-Arc Bridge Demo Sound Clips

« » Page 1 2 3

- Rated: 52 ↑
Nov 13, 2008 10:48 a.m. Bear:

Thanks Proteus, that's the one I was looking for. I love how those pickups sound in the Ibanez.
- Rated: 27 ↑
Nov 14, 2008 1:35 p.m. Jimbodiddley:

I don't think I've seen this addressed yet. Apologies if so...

Does one need to remove the strings to switch out an old ToM bridge for the Tru-Arc? (Assuming the base is left in place.) Or is there a good method for, what I assume would entail, loosening the strings, holding them up with something, and them making the switcheroo?
- Rated: 46 ↑
Nov 14, 2008 1:44 p.m. Timthom62:

Loosening and lifting the strings was all that was required on my SSU, and that's with a pinned bridge.

I actually lifted the strings, then rotated and removed the whole bridge, base and all, then fitted the Tru-Arc and reversed the procedure. Ten minutes start to finish, fifteen if you count the intonation check.
- Rated: 27 ↑
Nov 14, 2008 1:52 p.m. Jimbodiddley:

Thanks Timthom. Did you use something to hold the strings up with while you fitted the bridge, or just held them with one hand?
- Rated: 46 ↑
Nov 14, 2008 6:21 p.m. Timthom62:

I just held them up with my hand while swapping the bridge. I was able to get plenty of height to rotate the bridge from the horizontal and also to have clearance to slide the bridge under the strings on its side without scratching the surface of the top with the adjustment wheels.

I had planned to either hold them up the whole time the bridge was off or to put something under the strings because I had been concerned about the strings popping off the Bigsby when they were that loose, but as it turned out that wasn't an issue.
- Rated: 20 ↑
Nov 14, 2008 10:17 p.m. troy6120:

I actually had a good idea one day. I noticed that my local guitar tech has a special broomstick-looking thing that he puts under the loosened strings of the guitars that he works on, just to lift them up and still keep tension on them. HARD WOOD! NO! So, with me being a Paramedic, I got ahold of an old blood pressure cuff no longer fit for using on humans, but with it's air bladder still intact. I LOOSEN the strings on the guitar just a bit, and SLIDE the blood pressure cuff under them and lying flat on tongue-region of the fretboard, and inflate a little. I then loosen the strings as much as I want, and inflate the cuff to lift the strings up as high as I need them. It's non-abrasive to the guitar, and adjustable in height. When you're done, you just let some air out, tighten the strings a little, and let out some more air. This works!
- Rated: 27 ↑
Nov 14, 2008 10:55 p.m. Jimbodiddley:

Great idea Troy! Maybe you can market that to Proteus as the Tru-Arc String Bladder Ladder™. "The perfect companion piece for your Tru-Arc bridge. The bridge to somewhere!"
- Rated: 204 ↑
Nov 15, 2008 11:49 a.m. Proteus:

Huh! Cool idea. Bladder Ladder. I like it.

Or...the Air Ride String Lifter...
- Rated: 37 ↑
Nov 15, 2008 12:49 p.m. roadjunkie:

It would be more fun using a Whoopie Cushion!
- Rated: 37 ↑
Nov 15, 2008 12:51 p.m. roadjunkie:

Ya know blame it on the dog.......wife whoever!
- Rated: 20 ↑
Nov 15, 2008 8:30 p.m. troy6120:

How about the "Pneumatic Adjustomatic". Whoever wants it can patent it, or something. I have no aspirations to greatness. Tell 'em it was your own middle-of-the-night, woke-up-in-a-cold-sweat kind of inspiration.
- Rated: 27 ↑
Nov 19, 2008 9:46 p.m. Jimbodiddley:

Just got my Tru-Arc installed tonight (Al-120). It's a bit of a tight fit on the base of my 5120. The poles are a little too close together, so it's quite tight. Eg., if I wanted to lower it, I'd adjust the wheel, but the bridge won't drop unless I force it down. I guess that's not a biggie. Once I get it set to the correct height, I don't think I'll be needing to adjust it that much anyway. Would I?

First thing I noticed was the improvement in the acoustic tone, unplugged. Just seemed a bit richer. Plugged in, it sounds great, but what I really notice is the feel. The strings on the neck just feel more natural, and more comfortable. I guess that makes sense, considering that's what the whole design is about! Lol.

And, as someone else said, it's a lot more comfortable to rest the palm of my right hand on the bar, as opposed to the "teeth" of the old ToM bridge.

Fantastic product Sir Proteus! I think I'm gonna really enjoy this guitar more with this bridge.

Let me know if there's anything I should do about the tight fit (nut sauce?) - or just leave as is?