Alternative to a tuneomatic?

jellybelly

Might be an odd question but I genuinely don’t know the answer, generally being a ‘Fender’ man and all. 

Does something exist to replace a tuneomatic that isn’t a tuneomatic or derivative (like roller bridges etc). Something like the Mastery or the weird bridge some customs shop Jazzmasters have, kind of like a wraparound but without the wrapping bit. Basically, no moving parts. Is this a thing?? 

Reason I ask is I’m currently struggling with he bridge on my Yamaha SA503TVL (which has a weird TOM-alike itself) as it’s quite plinky and rattle-y as it is. I’ve thought about a better quality bridge like a Gotoh and have tried one of those Wilkinson-style roller bridges but it just gave the guitar weird sitar-like overtones (though the Bigsby worked much better!!)

Any thoughts? Am I barking up an non-existent tree??

kreggs

Im going to get the goldo tunomatic roller bridge from thomann soon as I hear its a good option. Fitting to my gretsch electromatic  with bigsby. You can also get solid compensated  bridges like the compton or tru arc which provide greater sustain and stability  but can be an issue with intonation if you have a pinned bridge or fixed bridge posts. Im sure other will chime in more soon

stickyfiddle

It could just be that you just need a better quality tunomatic. They’re not all created equal. 

Phil_aka_Pip

They aren't, but if @kreggs really wants a Bigsby I think a roller bridge suits the device better then anything else.

EDIT: Strat-type vibratos work by wobbling the bridge. The Bigsby pulls the strings tighter or relaxes the tension hence the strings have to move across the bridge saddle. That's why I think a roller would be superior.

WezV

The duesenberg variation is pretty damn good.

Danielsguitars

WezV said:

The duesenberg variation is pretty damn good.

I'm keen to try a duesenberg trem, not sure on what yet, quite fancy something different on a jazzmaster style

WezV

try one with there bigsby style trem on it - they feel really smooth

the TOM bridge does just look like any other, with a few subtle differences like the radiused top - but its very well made

Danielsguitars

WezV said:

try one with there bigsby style trem on it - they feel really smooth

the TOM bridge does just look like any other, with a few subtle differences like the radiused top - but its very well made



I've never even looked at these before, looks really nice too

sixwheeltyrrel

I'm quite intrigued by the Babicz one as an alternative. It's not cheap though. 

https://m.thomann.de/gb/babicz_fch_tune_o_matic_bridge_c.htm#bewertung

Being able to set the string height individually is what appeals most I think. I like that on Fenders. It's perhaps less suitable for a traditional design. 

WezV

the price and aesthetics have put me off that one

also, it comes with shims to match the carve - full contact is quite difficult to achieve on a carved top

Edit - i just watched the installation video and i am really surprised they make such a big deal of "full contact" but don't do anything about the tailpiece???