ABR-1 vs Nashville Tune-O-Matic
Vintage ABR-1 Guitar Bridge
The OG of electric guitar bridges. Released in 1953. Effectively replacing the wraparound stop bar and changing the intonation game forever. A staple of historic models.
- Flat, no radius
- Saddles are typically unnotched with a 2x4 orientation.
Ā
There are twoĀ main styles.
- Non-Wired - Popular with historic reissues. Saddles tend to fall out when not under string pressure.
- WiredĀ - Often used onmodern models. The wired version conveniently retains the saddles in place even with out tight strings.
Ā
Typically mounted on threaded thumbwheel posts and separate thumbwheels for adjustment. The bridge posts are usually threaded directly into the guitar's body with noĀ insert or anchor.
Nashville Tune-O-Matic Guitar Bridge
Also knownĀ as TOM. The protĆ©gĆ© of the ABR-1 bridge. Released in 1975. Overcoming many issues of it's predecessor.
- Curved 12" radius to match the fretboard.
- Saddles are usually notched and face the same direction.
- No need for a retaining wire.
Ā
Typically mounted on smooth shafted bridge posts with built-in adjustable thumbwheels.Ā EachĀ post is screwed into anchorĀ that has beenĀ pressed into the guitar's body.
