Going to need a new wraparound bridge

[Old Dog New Cans]

I will be receiving my first PRS later today. In the Reverb photos, I could see that the bridge had seen a TON of action. I'm guessing sweat? But, I would very much like to replace it. I'm rather thorough in my research, but without the guitar and making some measurements, I've not chosen a bridge.

I am planning on switching to a fully adjustable 6 saddle wraparound (and if my terminology is a bit off, I apologize. I'm NOT a guitarist. I'm a drummer, hoping to learn how to play guitar. But I like to tinker).

I will NOT buy a new $170 PRS bridge. That's 1/2 of what the guitar cost! There a couple used options from PRS. I'm curious about Gotoh, Wilkinson, and any other brands that are good quality. Oh, Tonepros? I saw some very negative reviews about their finishes I guess.

Thanks for any advice on good quality 6 saddle wraparounds.

 

[garrettb]

My opinion on adjustables is Schroeder, MannMade USA, PRS, or don't bother.

 

[RickP]

From your comment, it appears you’re buying an SE model. I seem to recall someone saying the bridges are a different size on those. You might want to double check.

You may also try cleaning the one on the guitar. A lot of funk can be cleaned off for a much improved, if not new, appearance. As @garrett notes, the bridge has a lot to do with tone and low-end ones can tank your sound. Most everyone here will suggest the same ones he mentions because they’re proven to sound good. There are also used versions of those that pop up on Reverb, etc, from time to time. Tone Pros make a SE wrap tail, but I don’t know anything about it other than it’s about half the price… which, most times, says a lot. But it might serve your purposes.

Think drum heads… there are really cheap ones out there. But they’ll make a good kit sound cheap. Sometimes, ugly-but-good is really better than sub-par-pretty. Welcome to the forums!

 

[Alnus Rubra]

I have an SE 245 with original bridge. The guitar intonates beautifully. I changed to a pair of un-plated brass posts and I wouldn’t change anything else now.

Hope what ever you do to your guitar, it works out for you.

 

[Old Dog New Cans]

Thanks for all of the comments. I did receive the guitar today. And to be honest, the bridge looks MUCH better in person than it did from the pics. It looked like it was blistered in the pics. Definitely not as bad as I had first imagined.

I may just hold off for a while.

I appreciate the comment on what to buy. I AM CHEAP. But, I don't like cheap products, if that makes any sense. I guess frugal may be a better word to describe myself. I will definitely stay away from the cheaper brands. If I do in fact change the bridge. For now, I'll just enjoy it for a while!

 

[bodia]

My opinion on adjustables is Schroeder, MannMade USA, PRS, or don't bother.

Totally this

 

[RickP]

Thanks for all of the comments. I did receive the guitar today. And to be honest, the bridge looks MUCH better in person than it did from the pics. It looked like it was blistered in the pics. Definitely not as bad as I had first imagined.

I may just hold off for a while.

I appreciate the comment on what to buy. I AM CHEAP. But, I don't like cheap products, if that makes any sense. I guess frugal may be a better word to describe myself. I will definitely stay away from the cheaper brands. If I do in fact change the bridge. For now, I'll just enjoy it for a while!

Free is hard to beat when it works!

 

[Mark burgess]

I have an SE 245 with original bridge. The guitar intonates beautifully. I changed to a pair of un-plated brass posts and I wouldn’t change anything else now.

Hope what ever you do to your guitar, it works out for you.

I just ordered the unplated brass posts looking forward to putting them on largely cos the previous owner screwed up the previous slots in the heads very badly

 

[TLOPband]

Thanks for this post. I have a second hand PRS Standard Singlecut with a wrap around bridge that has brass saddles but the G string seems muffled. I thought it might have been a truss rod issue but the other strings are fine even after adjusting. I did try the wrap around from my S2 Mira and it went away so I assume it must be the saddle. Might have to look into some of the bridges people recommended.

 

[dogrocketp]

Find a new saddle. The original was probably tweaked by someone who shouldn’t have.

 

[DISTORT6]

If you stay in E Standard or go down to D Standard, the regular non-adjustable PRS Stoptail is all you really need.
If you go lower or use a wound third, get one of these MannMade bridges.