Andy Eagle ( Guitar repair tech for 30 years )

[Eagle]

Hey Andy,

I have this PRS style guitar kit I got a million christmasses ago as a gift. I like it, but it cost like 90€ and it's not more than a fiddle.

Anyway, I was bored and hated the trem anyway (2 point style). Filled the Trem hole (top) and the cavity (back) with solid hardwood and 2 component.

Can you recommend a good, non-hassle fixed bridge? Maybe a top mount bc I don't want a string-thorugh (but also doable, just not my fav).

Or a wraparound?

Top is solid so I can drill in whatever I want.

Just a "Fender style" hardrail top mounter is preferable to me.

The hight off the body is the important part with this type of fit .
With a set neck you will need something that fits between the fixed parameters .
PRS use a wraparound on fixed bridges but once again same issue.
Also price?
I’m assuming you want value for money over flat out best?

 

[Eagle]

Top loading Strat style bridges are thin on the ground and mostly very poor quality.
Something like this works better than one with Strat style saddles because the intonation screw doesn’t get in the way of the string:

If you don’t mind spending more anything from Gotoh or Hipshot is good but these will require through body drilling.

 

[Eagle]

There are a couple of premium top loaders from ABM and Schaller though;

 

[Eagle]

And last my favourite, the Hipshot;

Through body stringing only though.

 

[BahamaDada]

The hight off the body is the important part with this type of fit .
With a set neck you will need something that fits between the fixed parameters .
PRS use a wraparound on fixed bridges but once again same issue.
Also price?
I’m assuming you want value for money over flat out best?

Thank you for the insights!!

It's a bolt on neck.

The first one reminds me of a Tele. Not my fav look, bur function is key here I guess.

Of course, as always, looking for the bang for the buck

 

[Eagle]

Thank you for the insights!!

It's a bolt on neck.

The first one reminds me of a Tele. Not my fav look, bur function is key here I guess.

Of course, as always, looking for the bang for the buck

These bridges all sound good because it’s hard to get something this simple wrong. I would go for the top one for cheap and simple. Check string spacing on your guitar as well. You don’t want the strings closer to the edges of the fingerboard.

 

[BahamaDada]

Sorry to bother you again with Bridge stuff. I know it's gonna be top loader. Don't want to drill through. Right know I am tending between the Göldo one (the "barrel") and the Schaller 3D. 100€ difference. As I said, still evaluating if that is worth it on a 90€ guitar kit.

At Meinl I saw they sell Ibanez Gibraltar bridges for like 40-50€. I know them from a Ibanez ART a buddy of mine.

What's your opinion on those Ibanez fixed bridges?

IBANEZ Gibraltar Standard Brücke 2014 - Cosmo Black (2GB2JAA024)

BRIDGE GRIBRALTAR STD. IBANEZ 2014 IN COSMO BLACK

www.meinlshop.de

 

[Eagle]

Sorry to bother you again with Bridge stuff. I know it's gonna be top loader. Don't want to drill through. Right know I am tending between the Göldo one (the "barrel") and the Schaller 3D. 100€ difference. As I said, still evaluating if that is worth it on a 90€ guitar kit.

At Meinl I saw they sell Ibanez Gibraltar bridges for like 40-50€. I know them from a Ibanez ART a buddy of mine.

What's your opinion on those Ibanez fixed bridges?

IBANEZ Gibraltar Standard Brücke 2014 - Cosmo Black (2GB2JAA024)

BRIDGE GRIBRALTAR STD. IBANEZ 2014 IN COSMO BLACK

www.meinlshop.de

It’s ok but no better the the budget one I pictured in tone or function.