New ABR1 redesign…

[matkoehler]

Sorry, just seeing this. They are 100% absolutely made of Zamak, not aluminum -- appears to be a copy/paste error on the website listing. Sorry for the confusion. Fixing that now.

 

[EdwardR9]

On the left- 2018 with saddles from Rand Kennedy

On the right- 2023

 

[EdwardR9]

The bottom is from early 2018. As you go up, there is more and more handwork to them. I bought the bottom four from Crazy Parts for projects that I didn’t finish. The first time I saw the bridges from 2018 with the the lighter hand work was on a Slash Brazilian Dream. Now the custom shop guitars come with way more edge work, like the top one. They are all the same general weight from 2018 to 2023 and are most likely Zamac.

 

[PBZEPP]

The bottom is from early 2018. As you go up, there is more and more handwork to them. I bought the bottom four from Crazy Parts for projects that I didn’t finish. The first time I saw the bridges from 2018 with the the lighter hand work was on a Slash Brazilian Dream. Now the custom shop guitars come with way more edge work, like the top one. They are all the same general weight from 2018 to 2023 and are most likely Zamac.

My 2021 CS looks like the top one…. And magnetic … who knows what they were mixing when there was a shortage…. All I know is that the Cooper bridge made a huge difference and not magnetic lol.

 

[NickiC]

None of my 2021 ABR’s are magnetic: 2 USA-1 VOS/CS. The CS looks like the top example too.

 

[PBZEPP]

Sorry, just seeing this. They are 100% absolutely made of Zamak, not aluminum -- appears to be a copy/paste error on the website listing. Sorry for the confusion. Fixing that now.

Just wondering, Any reason mine was magnetic that you would know about?

 

[NickiC]

Just wondering, Any reason mine was magnetic that you would know about?

Plating? Can plating be magnetic?
The saddle screws are magnetic on mine. Not the body of the bridge. That’s for
sure.

 

[matkoehler]

Just wondering, Any reason mine was magnetic that you would know about?

I have no idea...the previous generation of True Historic ABR-1s used 2015 through mid-2024 should be Zamak as well.

Because this thread is getting confusing with previous year comparisons and other aftermarket offerings, just wanted to attach a photo of the new 2025 bridge in question and recap the improvements:

1) Torpedo Shape, nickel-plated Zamak body scanned from a 1959 ABR-1 (from an all original burst, for the record)
2) Redesigned, thinly-plated brass saddles with softened edges, saddle slot starters (not pre-slotted per se, ready for your gauge of string), and reduced travel to eliminate buzz
3) Narrower bridge post openings for reduced travel and a more secure connection between bridge and post
4) Improved, tighter-tolerance screw cutout to prevent flying saddles!
5) Priced at $84.99 for aftermarket sale including plated brass historic thumbwheels and posts (link here)

 

[jb_abides]

I have no idea...the previous generation of True Historic ABR-1s used 2015 through mid-2024 should be Zamak as well.

Because this thread is getting confusing with previous year comparisons and other aftermarket offerings, just wanted to attach a photo of the new 2025 bridge in question and recap the improvements:

1) Torpedo Shape, nickel-plated Zamak body scanned from a 1959 ABR-1 (from an all original burst, for the record)
2) Redesigned, thinly-plated brass saddles with softened edges, saddle slot starters (not pre-slotted per se, ready for your gauge of string), and reduced travel to eliminate buzz
3) Narrower bridge post openings for reduced travel and a more secure connection between bridge and post
4) Improved, tighter-tolerance screw cutout to prevent flying saddles!
5) Priced at $84.99 for aftermarket sale including plated brass historic thumbwheels and posts (link here)

Thanks Mat.

Per (2): regarding the 'pre-slot' -- so, how does the Custom Shop now utilize during assembly... i.e. are they still hammering in 10-46 strings with these as guides, or are using files for fina fit, or... ?

[If I recall correctly, the PLEK cuts nuts, not saddles.]

 

[matkoehler]

Thanks Mat.

Per (2): regarding the 'pre-slot' -- so, how does the Custom Shop now utilize during assembly... i.e. are they still hammering in 10-46 strings with these as guides, or are using files for fina fit, or... ?

[If I recall correctly, the PLEK cuts nuts, not saddles.]

They file them.

 

[Any Name You Wish]

Hi Mat,

Nice touch to pre-slot the saddle notches a little so guys like me don't screw them up. I like the idea of softer edges, and the price is not bad at all.

 

[EdwardR9]

The first use of the newer beveled edge bridges started on the Brazilian Dream. They were regular 2017 style and newer 2018 styles on them. Every post 2018 has the beveled type.

All of my 2018 and up seem to have a slight magnetism. Strange.. I had to get a spot off the end of one and it’s thin playing with copper underneath.

 

[EdwardR9]

Early Brazilian Dream

 

[JimPridx]

I have no idea...the previous generation of True Historic ABR-1s used 2015 through mid-2024 should be Zamak as well.

Because this thread is getting confusing with previous year comparisons and other aftermarket offerings, just wanted to attach a photo of the new 2025 bridge in question and recap the improvements:

1) Torpedo Shape, nickel-plated Zamak body scanned from a 1959 ABR-1 (from an all original burst, for the record)
2) Redesigned, thinly-plated brass saddles with softened edges, saddle slot starters (not pre-slotted per se, ready for your gauge of string), and reduced travel to eliminate buzz
3) Narrower bridge post openings for reduced travel and a more secure connection between bridge and post
4) Improved, tighter-tolerance screw cutout to prevent flying saddles!
5) Priced at $84.99 for aftermarket sale including plated brass historic thumbwheels and posts (link here)

Hey Mat! Late to the party here, but I'm just curious as to whether or not the metallurgy makeup of the new bridge body has changed at all? Your first line here suggests that may be the case. There have also been a few reports that this newer bridge sounds different from the previous one, and I'm wondering if there's any truth to this? Thanks in advance!

 

[EdwardR9]

I ordered 4 torpedo bridges from Gibson. I’ll let you all know Monday. I have already tried the TH 2018 bridges with ABM brass posts and wheels. Also added custom CNC fatter saddles and the acoustic volume and tone was totally different. I look for that greasy, needs a fret job tele tone and increases sustain on a moaner.

 

[NickiC]

What is a “torpedo bridge”?

 

[jb_abides]

What is a “torpedo bridge”?

Maybe a bit hard to see... as either side approaches both rounded ends, looking from the first/last saddle towards the post hole, the sides now slope toward the rounded end, versus taking a more even line (previous design).



Hence more 'torpedo'-like.

 

[LCW]

It’s sort of like ovalized ends. Pre mid 23 or so the bridge was slab straight with perfectly circular ends.

 

[NickiC]

Thanks for the explanation.
The body of the bridge has a slight taper on the “front and back side/wall”.
Starting at, 1st & 6th toward the post holes/end of the body.
Or am I way off and lost?

 

[JimPridx]

Thanks for the explanation.
The body of the bridge has a slight taper on the “front and back side/wall”.
Starting at, 1st & 6th toward the post holes/end of the body.
Or am I way off and lost?

That sounds about right! Here's another photo that Mat posted a bit earlier in the thread: