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Faber or Creamtone?

spidey

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 21, 2003
Messages
3,265
I have a couple of USA Les-Pauls which play and sound great (fitted with wcr pups), however I want them to look more vintage. In addition to m69 ring replicas I'm also looking at nickel bridges and tail pieces. The Creamtone pictures look great but I hear great things about Faber. Those of you with experience of either or both of these, what are your thoughts. I want them to look and sound great.
Thanks.
 

scovell001

Active member
Joined
Apr 15, 2016
Messages
115
Spidey,

I've ordered from both Creamtone as well as having faber parts on my LP.

Lonnie at Creamtone is a totally stand up guy, really grade a top bloke, customer service out of this world. Also no issues of any kind ordering Faber Parts with quick delivery.

I would say its an issue of 'exchange rate & import duties' for us in the UK just now which may swing the decision.

Bridges & tail pieces: If your happy to go down the iNsert route which offers an exponential tone upgrade - Fabers parts sound the most 'vintage correct' with the exception of a little more bass as exampled in this stephens design video here:

https://www.facebook.com/StephensDesignPickups/videos/533528640107591/

The creamtone hardware 'looks' just lovely though & is extremely well made.

In terms of M69 replica's its down to budget. (forum sets alight with different opinions) The very top of the pile is Bartlett then OTPG followed closely by DMC then your into the others which are all great but fall into the less vintage accurate on the underside (how important that is is up to you) bracket: Creamtone, Throbak, Fake58, Montreaux Time Machine the list goes on.

Enjoy
 

spidey

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 21, 2003
Messages
3,265
Thanks for the informative reply. I appreciate it.
Now I've got even more option anxiety! I like the idea of Creamtone as they make versions that will directly fit Gibson USA models. However, if the Faber sounds better perhaps I should be looking at jumping over a few hurdles to get the best end result.
Hmmm....
Does anybody else have any experience?
 

TM1

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 27, 2003
Messages
8,349
Both companies are really great. however, after buying an ABR-1 replica from ABM in Germany, I'm sold on them. Machined Bell Brass and they really increase the resonance and sustain and look really nice. Exceptional quality! http://www.abm-guitarpartsshop.com/...0-RE/Bell-Brass/ABM-2500n-RE-Nickel::153.html
I have probably 10 Faber bridges and 10 Gibson ABR-1's from Historics just sitting in a box now. Be glad to sell you one or as many as you want..
 
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scovell001

Active member
Joined
Apr 15, 2016
Messages
115
Spidey,

At the bottom of my post here I've linked to some pictures I took of my LP recently with the faber aged hardware with inserts installed. This'll hopefully give you another 'pov' to see if the look meets your needs.

There's a post somewhere about how LP's after about 2012 have shallower bridge insert holes which means the hole has to be drilled ever so slightly. My Tech did this for me with a pillar drill & had to take out 3mm in depth each side.

TM1 - I was really interested in the ABM bridge. I think there is a post, either on this or the other forum where they all start shouting 'not vintage accurate', 'heresay' which made me chuckle ! I nearly went for the Callaham bridge, but I found a video on YT & you could hear how it changed the sound to 'not a vintage sound' I just wondered what you had experienced with the ABM ?

After I had my nashville changed to the faber the difference was hugely noticeable, I could actually feel vibration through the guitar body, which was a bit of a first !

My question TM1 was - when I strum an open E chord unplugged with the guitar on my lap with the faber iNsert, I can feel the vibration (particulary around the jack plug) & hear the sustain which I've counted for approx 15-16 seconds.

How does that compare with your ABM ?

I will probably upload a video so you can hear also & compare with your ABM.

All the best


_DSC0659.jpg_DSC0773.jpg_DSC0658.jpg
 
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spidey

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 21, 2003
Messages
3,265
Thanks for your input guys. scovell001, those photos look amazing. However, change of plan, a 335 has just come along out of the blue at a great price and is taking all my available funds!
Once I've got the funds again I'll come back to this project.
Thanks again.
 
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