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Four Uncles ABR-1 bridge just in and...

Mr. Legit

Active member
Joined
Sep 11, 2016
Messages
112
It matters how it is manufactured because if you are after the 50’s sound it has to be die casted. Even if it is made with the right alloy and not die casted it will not be the same. I personally cannot hear any difference but that doesn’t mean that you don’t. I have tried all the different Zamaks.
 
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RossL

Member
Joined
Dec 11, 2021
Messages
68
Mr. Legit, have you heard a difference in the various Zamak castings? If so, can you elaborate? I am really curious about this subject.
 

Mr. Legit

Active member
Joined
Sep 11, 2016
Messages
112
Mr. Legit, have you heard a difference in the various Zamak castings? If so, can you elaborate? I am really curious about this subject.
When dropped on a table yes. How that translates into a musical application, I don’t know, I know I preferred some pieces over others, but that is completely subjective. I just know I have got as close as I can get so far on my bases. When my team did the metallurgy tests, which didn’t require me destroying a vintage piece (Thank God), I made a decision on which one I preferred. While dropping my bridge on a table compared to vintage pieces the results are extremely close.

I guess my point is is that at this point these are all interpretations of what we think the 50’s sound and look is especially if not die casted. Kind of like PAFs, where you choose the flavor you want for your guitar or ice cream for your pleasure. I apologize if my response is cryptic.

I am wondering if the screws of the FU bridge are also really close to vintage and the way they are set in the bridge. If you want a photo of the bridge base I intend to manufacture, you can PM me. However, I think the FU bridge looks incredible, but like any opinion, I have my reservations.

It is truly an honor to me to be even in a discussion with the likes of companies like these guys.
 

CK6

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 5, 2020
Messages
449
How so? Have you tried them? Huge Improvement IMO and I saved $400. He makes a Chisel version as well...
I haven’t tried them, no.

It’s not just the saddles, it’s the whole unit and the composition of the metal.

I’m sure that those saddles yield a great result too, but the bridge also makes a difference.
 

RossL

Member
Joined
Dec 11, 2021
Messages
68
When dropped on a table yes. How that translates into a musical application, I don’t know, I know I preferred some pieces over others, but that is completely subjective. I just know I have got as close as I can get so far on my bases. When my team did the metallurgy tests, which didn’t require me destroying a vintage piece (Thank God), I made a decision on which one I preferred. While dropping my bridge on a table compared to vintage pieces the results are extremely close.

I guess my point is is that at this point these are all interpretations of what we think the 50’s sound and look is especially if not die casted. Kind of like PAFs, where you choose the flavor you want for your guitar or ice cream for your pleasure. I apologize if my response is cryptic.

I am wondering if the screws of the FU bridge are also really close to vintage and the way they are set in the bridge. If you want a photo of the bridge base I intend to manufacture, you can PM me. However, I think the FU bridge looks incredible, but like any opinion, I have my reservations.

It is truly an honor to me to be even in a discussion with the likes of companies like these guys.
Sent you a message. It’s all very interesting. I’ve been tap testing tailpieces using a certified aerospace tap hammer and comparing results as well between a vintage and Gotoh, Kluson, Creamtone and new Gibson.
 

TM1

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 27, 2003
Messages
8,349
I have the MOD saddles on a few ABR-1’s and they are the best saddles you can get for modern ABR-1’s to achieve Vintage Tone!
 

afficionado

Member
Joined
Apr 3, 2009
Messages
110
Replaced the (selfmade) saddles of my mid 60`s chrome ABR-1 with a Four-Uncles saddle/screw set. They fit perfectly and most important they don`t buzz in spite of the loose fit and the retaining wire. They are not cheap but the best replacement you can get for your vintage bridge.
Thank`s Pat!!!
 

Morgan24

Active member
Joined
Nov 1, 2020
Messages
138
The FU made my Les Paul tone sweeter and more musical😊 Even better than the Faber👍
 

bmwm3cs

New member
Joined
Jun 2, 2019
Messages
16
I think it’s some guys in Europe with the SD pickups guy as their USA distributor.
So the Crazy parts is made by the same people as FU? If so, why not just get the Crazy parts?
 

TM1

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 27, 2003
Messages
8,349
I ordered Crazyparts bridge last week and will have it this week. It is an aged Gibson ABR1 with Crazyparts saddles, screws and thumbwheels. I would consider the FU product, but apparently you have to go on Facebook to contact them...
I had ordered a few days back the Crazy Parts bridge. It arrived last night via DHL!! I have to say I'm very impressed with it. It looks great and sounds really warm, clear and has a bags of sustain! I put it on my `64 reissue ES-335TDC. It's a pretty nice improvement and the warmth, note clarity & sustain from the 335 is not meager. It's what we would all want to hear from out guitars!
 

SGFan

New member
Joined
Feb 28, 2002
Messages
25
I had ordered a few days back the Crazy Parts bridge. It arrived last night via DHL!! I have to say I'm very impressed with it. It looks great and sounds really warm, clear and has a bags of sustain! I put it on my `64 reissue ES-335TDC. It's a pretty nice improvement and the warmth, note clarity & sustain from the 335 is not meager. It's what we would all want to hear from out guitars!
How does it compare to the Faber and/or the MOD saddles? I'm in the market for a new abr and am very curious about the Faber vs Crazy Parts vs Four Uncles.
 

tdarian

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 25, 2008
Messages
3,575
I had ordered a few days back the Crazy Parts bridge. It arrived last night via DHL!! I have to say I'm very impressed with it. It looks great and sounds really warm, clear and has a bags of sustain! I put it on my `64 reissue ES-335TDC. It's a pretty nice improvement and the warmth, note clarity & sustain from the 335 is not meager. It's what we would all want to hear from out guitars!
I saw the bridge on crazyparts.com but did not see a link or means to order, got a working link?
 
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