Got peeves with my Tonepro system

[ChrisCst22]

Hey all. I got my Tonepros AVT2 wraparound piece and locking studs in the mail today. I was excited to try it of course. I've got it installed with a fresh set of strings, and here's the problems Im having with it.

1. The bridge is massive. Its like a "double decker" compared to the PRS bridge. In the instructions is tells you to measure the previous studs so you can dial in the same height on the new studs, this won't work because the bridge itself is so much taller that your going to need to lower the studs anyway.

No big deal. Except that even with the new studs dialed all the way down, the action is still pretty high. Can't really solve that problem. I checked my neck relief, its pretty straight. And I had some good distance from the previous studs to the top and my action was pretty damn low.

2. The saddles remind me of cheap ass strat nuts. Their slots are almost non exsistent. The higher 5 strings easily slip-n-slide over the saddle instead of being held in place. One thing I've always loved about PRS nuts, they're cut so deep. They're done right!!

3. As someone here mentioned before, the bridge is piezo-loadable. Which I agree is a cool feature, but I dont use piezo's. And the open spaces in the bottom of the bridge make it VERY easy to string under the bridge instead of through the feeder hole. Not good.

As for tone, I've only played it for a few minutes. I'm gonna give it a few more trys before I decide. At first strum it seemed like there was a decent increase in sustain, but I believe this is attributed to the locking studs, which I can use with the adjustable and non-adjustable PRS bridges too. So I don't give that plus to the bridge. And besides, the action is pretty high right now, so that will make the strings sustain more anyway!! Ha.

And then of course we all know the Tonepro is radiused at 12". Whereas the PRS bridge is the correct 10". And I don't really feel like paying someone to slot out the saddles. So I need to know, do you guys say better to go with the adjustable PRS bridge with the locking studs, or do some of you really like the Tonepro better?? I may be doing something wrong but it doesnt look like theres much else I can do. I'm not happy about the price tag the PRS bridge comes with, but I already payed 2100 for the guitar, whats another 175?? (Or is it 250??)

Let me know what ya'll think. Thanks very much!

Chris

[Bruce O'Donnell]

I only use Tonepro studs on PRS guitars, not the bridge. Like you just discovered, the TP bridge is too tall to get a decent setup.

[ChrisCst22]

Well. It was on for about 8 hours. Forget it. NO Tonepros bridge for me. There s just no way it can go any lower and get me proper action. I tried. Plus all the other reasons I mentioned.

So...I will be on the lookout for a PRS adjustable bridge. Anyone know where I can get one?? Im gonna keep my eyes on the 'bay.

BUT. I do love the locking studs. They do improve sustain and overall bite. Im now using them with my non-adjustable bridge and there is an improvement.

I will be selling the TonePros bridge without the locking studs. I plan on putting it up on the 'bay, but if anyone here wants it, send me a messege. Although now that I've bitched and moaned about the whole thing I doubt anyone here would want it now.

Any other comments would be great, thanks!

[aleclee]

Wouldn't it kill two birds with one stone to deepen the slots in the bridge? You really need to do that anyway with a PRS because the TP bridge is constructed with a 12" radius as opposed to your fretboard's 10" curve.

[CAFeathers]

Not everybody likes the TonePros wraparound bridge for PRSi. I do have question for you though....Are the saddles almost flush with the top of the bridge or do they sit higher?

[Aldwyn]

I have never tred the Tone Pros PRS bridge (had one... never opened the package), but use the studs on all my PRSi.

But I have used Tone Pros bridges on a couple of my Lesters in the past, and they felt just like the origional bridge. <shrug> Apples and oranges, though, I suppose... :)

[almondx]

The mannmade/mil-com stoptails look pretty good too. Here's a link: http://www.mannmadeusa.com/stoptail.htm

[ChrisCst22]

Wouldn't it kill two birds with one stone to deepen the slots in the bridge? You really need to do that anyway with a PRS because the TP bridge is constructed with a 12" radius as opposed to your fretboard's 10" curve.There are to many downsides to the bridge to have that kind of work done. Plus it may differ slightly from tech to tech. Also I would need to find blank saddles that were much higher than the stock. Also a pain in the ass.

I do have question for you though....Are the saddles almost flush with the top of the bridge or do they sit higher?They are almost flush. This is why it would be impossible to cut a quailty saddle like whats found on the PRS bridge.

I have used Tone Pros bridges on a couple of my Lesters in the past, and they felt just like the origional bridge.Well I'm assuming you mean their Tune-O-Matic style model. Which is exactly like the old ABR's. There really is no "standard" when it comes to Stop-Tails.

The mannmade/mil-com stoptails look pretty good too. Here's a link:I checked those out. They look crappier than the Tonepro. And pricey!! Damn.

http://forums.birdsandmoons.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34858&page=1

You all saw the closeup of the PRS bridge in this thread right?? That is quailty. The saddles are perfectly rounded off and are deep. Also the PRS bridge has string guides right behind the saddles that help keep them in place.

I only wonder how so many other people are getting their Tonepros to work with their PRS. Are they all playing with really high action?? Is there a chance it just doesn't work with my guitar? So weird...

[CAFeathers]

That's strange. TonePros went with the almost flush saddles after there were complaints about not being able to get the action low enough on some PRSi because of different neck angles with the different PRSi necks.

I would give TonePros an email at TonePros@aol.com and let them know about the problem with your guitar.

[almondx]

Their PRS trem bridge pics look pretty crappy too:

http://www.mannmadeusa.com/2000n.jpg

But everyone knows how good the mil-com 1 piece trem bridges are!

I don't think their pics do their products justice but it's better to be safe than sorry anyway =)

[JackAranda]

The info here has helped me make a decision...
I installed the locking studs on my McCarty Soapbar (one-piece top). It used to sustain for days, now it sustains for months... :D
I was thinking about getting another set of studs for the SC, and then a bridge with studs for the HBS. Now the HBS has the bridge set a little higher than on the McSoap, so I'm hoping it will not raise the action on it. I think I will just buy the bridge set, put the bridge only on the HBS, and install just the studs on the SC... I think I'll try it that way, and maybe order some more studs later on...
I like the fact that the bridge doesn't just fall off when changing strings - and they won't move when you wipe the guitar down either.

[RRRcustom]

I would like to use the studs on more things, or even the original PRS adjustable wraparound, but here's my dillema.


All the adjustable wraparounds are taller than the non adjustable PRS stoptail. SO, if you have a regular PRS that was originally fitted with a regular stoptail, you have to watch the neck angle. My Tremonti had the bridge lowered as far as possible, and the action was still a smidge too high for my tastes. When I installed a new adjustable PRS stoptail on another of my PRS', I ran into the same problem(action fine with the stock bridge, then too high with the adjustable one.) I haven't owned or dealt with enough PRS stoptails to know if there neck angle can vary alot, like Gibson, but all the ones I have owned seem to be very close, which is to say just enough to cover the full range of adjustment needed for their standard stoptail.

So now, we have an adjustable stoptail, which is taller to begin with(thereby changing the action). When I try to use the Tone Pros locking studs, it seems the shoulder on the bottom side of the bridge is thicker than a PRS one, because they seem to lift the bridge even farther from the top of the guitar. I like to use them for sustain purposes, but they just aren't easy to put into use on a guitar. At least with a guitar that is set up to use the adjustable stoptail, if the action is too high with standard studs, you can recess the inserts slightly, and screw the studs down so that they are below the top of the guitar. You can get about another 2-3/64's this way before the bottom of the bridge comes in contact with the top. With the Tone Pros locking studs, you can't even recess the inserts, because, even if you do recess the inserts so its possible, you can't get the wrench on the shoulder to hold it, while you're tightening the top!!!!!!!!

Basically, you need a guitar with alot of neck angle to use the Tone Pros studs effectively!:mad:

[CAFeathers]

Hey guys, I'm seeing a lot of concerns here with the TonePros parts. That is a good thing and a bad thing.
If you have an issue with the TonePros parts whether it be major, minor, good, or bad give TonePros an email at tonepros@aol.com and give them your feedback.

[ChrisCst22]

All the adjustable wraparounds are taller than the non adjustable PRS stoptail.Oh oh. Should I be concerned about the action problem with the PRS bridge too?? Sheesh!! If that doesnt work with my guitar either than I'll be glad I don't usually tune lower than Drop D, I'd be screwed!!

[Shane S]

You guys may want to check out this bridge:


http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Bridges,_tailpieces/Electric_guitar,_non-trem_bridges/Pigtail_Aluminum_Wraparound_Bridge.html

They have solved a lot of the short comings of the TonePros bridge. I am have Ron Thorn build me several guitars with this bridge and he was VERY impressed with it.

[MBH]

I really like the PRS adjustable stoptail. It's expensive but if you can get past the price, it's a great bridge.

[ChrisCst22]

Guys I wanted to quickly mention whats been going on with my Tonepros problem. I received numerous emails and a phone call from the people over at Tonepro, they are absolutely die-hard about me being happy. I couldn't believe it. I think I have a crew of about 3 or 4 over there right now working to do whatever they can to make me happy. We've been talking about what can be done, and at this point they are overnighting me a whole new bridge and stud system. They think I may have an older model.

So it will be here tommorrow. And they want to help me step by step on installing it correctly. So I will update with how it works out. Either way I want you guys to know the customer service over there is above and beyond anything I've ever seen.

More to come later...

[Karmateria]

Dwight and the Tone Pros crew are all first rate and INSANE about tone.

Karma

[CAFeathers]

Dwight and the rest of the guys at TonePros are customer service oriented. They are a top notch bunch of guys.

[Crunchyriff]

Chris- check out www.pigtailmusic.com (http://www.pigtailmusic.com) if the Tone pros doesn't get ya there. Check out what Steve has there for PRS. Might just be what you need. The guy makes top-quality stuff. (not that Tone Pros doesn't)

[JMintzer]

Guys I wanted to quickly mention whats been going on with my Tonepros problem. I received numerous emails and a phone call from the people over at Tonepro, they are absolutely die-hard about me being happy. I couldn't believe it. I think I have a crew of about 3 or 4 over there right now working to do whatever they can to make me happy. We've been talking about what can be done, and at this point they are overnighting me a whole new bridge and stud system. They think I may have an older model.

So it will be here tommorrow. And they want to help me step by step on installing it correctly. So I will update with how it works out. Either way I want you guys to know the customer service over there is above and beyond anything I've ever seen.

More to come later...

Cool...

Glad I could hook you up w/Dwight...


Jamie

[ChrisCst22]

Well I got a new set of studs and a new bridge, and their the same as the first set I bought. But since the Tonepro people would SO friggin cool going through the trouble to send me a new set that I would try it again.

Dwight wanted me to make sure I had the posts dialed all the way down. So I put them all the way in and then installed the bridge. Like before the action is to high. I haven't talked with Dwight again yet, I'm willing to try any suggestions he may have, but I really don't see how I could get the action any lower without modifiying the stud inserts.

So I took some high-res pics and emailed them to Tonepros. We'll see what they think. At this point I really think it might just not work with my guitar, for some reason. There are just to many AVT2's being used out there for it to be a common problem. So I'm not blaming the bridge really.

BUT. The locking studs are the shizz-nizzles!! They make a BIG difference. Not only do I have a bridge which stays on without strings, but overall sustain and bite are much better. I'm sure of it. The stock PRS studs aren't bad, the bridge really doesn't wiggle at all. But for some reason when you have the studs nice and tightly holding the bridge, it effects the vibration transfer. I LOVE them!!

Once again A++ etc. for Tonepro customer service!! Those guys are the bee's knee's!!

[Aldwyn]

Question... are you using the female ends of the posts? That is, where the posts screw into the body of the guitar... are you removing the PRS ones, and installing the Tone Pros ones?

I dont... I just screw the Tone Pros pros posts into the PRS post mounts. Perhaps that is the key?

[ChrisCst22]

No there is no need to remove the PRS inserts. See I don't think it's the post's fault, because with the PRS bridge I can get the action fine and with more adjustment still available with the Tonepros studs. Its the bridge for some reason which even all the way down, still has the strings sitting to high on the bridge.

Now I've been told the Tonepros bridge is about the same thickness as the PRS adjustable stoptail, but I've looked at many closeup pictures and the PRS bridge really looks the same thickness as the non adjustable but with movable saddles.

[ChrisCst22]

ALRIGHT. The verdict is in. I've been using my PRS adjustable bridge for a week and a half now.

It is awesome! Great construction, great design. Holds the strings perfectly and intonates perfectly. This bridge has helped my guitar be its best. The non-adjustable worked fine, it sounded good, but this bridge is the way to go.

The Tonepros people were just as awesome though. They tried to help best they could but in the end their bridge will not work with my guitar. I don't know why, Tonepros says PRSi neck angles vary greatly. PRS replied absolutely not to that notion. Who knows. They sent me a refund check and let me keep the extra bridge they sent me. They were incredible.

But as I mentioned, I LOVE the locking studs. Those also make a huge improvement, as well as keeping my bridge always in the right setting. I checked out how much wiggle the PRS bridges have with the PRS studs, and it is considerable. The bridge leans forward a decent amount. But with the Tonepro studs it's totally solid. They are NOT kidding with the sustain improvement, it is HUGE and highly noticeable.

So thats it. I'm finally set with my bridge setup and it is the balls. If you don't mind paying the extra $$$ its worth it. The PRS adjustable is offically my fav bridge to use from any guitar that exists.

[Chiba]

3. As someone here mentioned before, the bridge is piezo-loadable. Which I agree is a cool feature, but I dont use piezo's. And the open spaces in the bottom of the bridge make it VERY easy to string under the bridge instead of through the feeder hole. Not good.
I'll take you a step farther - it's a pain in the @ss is what it is. Having to remember to bend the tip of the string, then fiddle and wiggle and hope and wish you get the string in the hole... It's a pain on the bench, let alone in a dark club in-between sets. This is the #1 reason I won't use the TP bridge, and have taken them off some very nice guitars that have passed through my hands.

Not to mention that for the E strings, you have to have the ball end perfectly aligned or the string doesn't seat all the way...

Love the studs though!

--chiba

[Valtiel]

Just wanted to bump this thread up to share my experience with the tonepros adjustable bridge. I installed one of these with the locking studs on my CU24, and I can basically echo what has been said previously. Stringing is a huge pain in the ass. But the main thing I wanted to add was about the action. A lot of people mentioned how the bridge is too tall, with the studs as low as they can go and the neck with a slight amount of relief, the action is 5/64" on the bass side and 4/64" on the treble side. This is basically PRS' recommened action and it also happens to be exactly where I like it BUT I know a lot of people that like it lower and unfortunately that isnt possible. Just thought id share...:dude:

[redmax61]

What sold me on TonePros was the level of customer service. I met Dwight when I emailed him and asked about getting a set of studs to fit an old Schaller bridge. He went out of his way to take care of me, and I hadn't even spent a dime with the company. I've known them for about 4 years now, and they are definitely top notch people who make a top notch product.

[Chiba]

They might have great customer service, but all the niceness in the world doesn't make for a perfect product :)

I stand by my previous post! Pain in the @ss!

Studs ARE really great though - what a great idea!

--chiba