Are the brass wraparound / stoptail posts a tonal improvement or cosmetic thing?

[Chris101]

A quick search of the forum didn't bring up any results but I’m sure it must have been discussed here. Would changing the standard wraparound posts on my SE Hollowbody to brass make any appreciable difference in tone?

In a relatively short time I’ve seen so many PRS with the brass posts that the look has really grown on me, I really wasn’t sure when I first saw them!

 

[MarshallMike]

A quick search of the forum didn't bring up any results but I’m sure it must have been discussed here. Would changing the standard wraparound posts on my SE Hollowbody to brass make any appreciable difference in tone?

In a relatively short time I’ve seen so many PRS with the brass posts that the look has really grown on me, I really wasn’t sure when I first saw them!

Several years ago, I owned an SE 245 and replaced the bridge with a MannMade one with the brass saddles and brass posts and it made a pretty significant tonal change for the better on that guitar. It sounded a little too bright and the brass really warmed up the tone.

 

[Bowtiefanatc]

This one?

 

[Andrew Paul]

Paul says it improves the tone and sustain in many different interviews/videos, it's not for looks. It makes sense it would be an improvement, after all brass is used with adjustable saddles in many bridges for years. I never seen brass used like it is in the PRS 1-piece wraparound bridge. Any of the guitars I've own/owned with it always sound great.... so did the old ones I thought. I've never preformed an A/B test or anything.

 

[ViperDoc]

Spruuuuuuce….

 

[sergiodeblanc]

This one?

I played that guitar naked a bunch.

 

[Alnus Rubra]

I did the same mod on my SE245 and the locking tuners with unplated brass posts, both gave a pleasant tonal change.

 

[DISTORT6]

I played that guitar naked a bunch.

They do resonate VERY well…

 

[Bowtiefanatc]

I played that guitar naked a bunch.

That explains a lot

 

[sergiodeblanc]

That explains a lot

Sorry for just tanking your resale.

 

[Bowtiefanatc]

Sorry for just tanking your resale.

I thought that it was just “normal patina” guess I was wrong.

 

[Lewguitar]

I've always thought brass saddles on a Tele are an improvement over steel saddles.

Brass just sounds...well...not so steely!

 

[Chris101]

Thanks everyone, you’ve convinced me to at least try them, that is once they are back in stock, I do like the look!

And that Spruce Hollow Body looks fantastic! And so does the SE245 I love the wood grain of the top.

 

[Senor Verde]

Don't know about the all brass or studs on SE guitars, but I swapped studs on my '97, '03 and '08 McCartys for the newer studs that are all brass, but have nickel tops. I was expecting zero difference, but the guitars are noticeably clearer sounding and a little more full. Maybe it is the tighter tolerances or the nickel plating on the originals has an affect.

 

[Deleted member 5962]

I played that guitar naked a bunch.

Still can't figure how how this landed all the way down at #7 on Reverbs list of "Top 10 Quotes From Reverb Listings." I'd have thought top 3 for sure.

 

[alantig]

Still can't figure how how this landed all the way down at #7 on Reverbs list of "Top 10 Quotes From Reverb Listings." I'd have thought top 3 for sure.

It would have been three if they weren't excited about it.

 

[Alnus Rubra]

Sorry for just tanking your resale.

I thought that it was just “normal patina” guess I was wrong.

What a load of bo//ox

 

[AaeCee]

I played that guitar naked a bunch.

Of course you disclosed that when you sold it .... right??

I mean, it's obviously a material negative when determining the fair value.

OTOH, to some, it may actually be a positive!

 

[SinSir]

Of course you disclosed that when you sold it .... right??

It was a selling point for @Bowtiefanatc

A NGD pic we'd all like to forget!

 

[Alnus Rubra]

It was a selling point for @Bowtiefanatc

A NGD pic we'd all like to forget!

Explains why Sergio likes a Santana.

I can see why.