Thank You John Mann

[LerxstFan]

Long overdue thanks to John for installing one of his Mil-Com/Mann Made trems on my '85 Tribute. Feels AND looks great. Since my guitar is based on the original 1985 Custom, it needed the real deal for the trem! If you're in New England, you should check out John's shop - awesome PRS and amazing customer service.



Now you see them...



Now you don't...

 

[sergiodeblanc]

Bangin'!

John's the best!

 

[AaeCee]

Those are very nice. Does it feel different, sound different, or both?

 

[ViperDoc]

I've seen a few posts regarding this Mann guy and his bridges. I can see the design differences, but I'm interested in how this bridge is better? I always enjoy a boutique upgrade and the trivial knowledge that warrants it!

 

[Brad737]

The MannMade, or MilCom, bridge is my all-time favorite vibrato. I think the original is a better unit than the current PRS offering for two reasons. First off, the MannMade trem is one big chunk of metal. It sounds GOOOOOD. I don't want to say it sounds bright, but to my ears, it sounds more "alive" than the later 2-piece trem. And yes I can say that because I've replaced a 2-piece trem for an original MilCom before. The most noticeable difference to me is the increased sustain. And if you pause to think about it, it just makes sense. If you slice the sustain block off a trem and screw it back on, even a circus monkey can figure out it won't be as "connected", and sustain will suffer. Now, the one area where the new PRS unit does equal the MannMade is tuning stability. I can't tell any difference at all in feel when I operate either trem. And they both return to tuned pitch equally well.

If anyone cares, my personal preference for a trem is the vintage-style MannMade trem, but with raw brass saddles. Awesome tuning stability, great sustain, musical tone, and they look beautiful. Getcha some!

 

[LerxstFan]

The MannMade, or MilCom, bridge is my all-time favorite vibrato. I think the original is a better unit than the current PRS offering for two reasons. First off, the MannMade trem is one big chunk of metal. It sounds GOOOOOD. I don't want to say it sounds bright, but to my ears, it sounds more "alive" than the later 2-piece trem. And yes I can say that because I've replaced a 2-piece trem for an original MilCom before. The most noticeable difference to me is the increased sustain. And if you pause to think about it, it just makes sense. If you slice the sustain block off a trem and screw it back on, even a circus monkey can figure out it won't be as "connected", and sustain will suffer. Now, the one area where the new PRS unit does equal the MannMade is tuning stability. I can't tell any difference at all in feel when I operate either trem. And they both return to tuned pitch equally well.

If anyone cares, my personal preference for a trem is the vintage-style MannMade trem, but with raw brass saddles. Awesome tuning stability, great sustain, musical tone, and they look beautiful. Getcha some!

This +1 - sums it up - clear and to the point!

 

[crgtr]

John is a great guy & his product are the best!

 

[]-[@n$0Ma☩!©]

I've seen a few posts regarding this Mann guy and his bridges. I can see the design differences, but I'm interested in how this bridge is better? I always enjoy a boutique upgrade and the trivial knowledge that warrants it!

It's just flames on the hood of your hot rod as far as I'm concerned. That said, all but 2 of my trem-based PRS guitars have been "upgraded" with 1-piece Mann-made bridges. And the last 2 will have their day. Pretty sure the 2-piece tremolo bridge was created as a cost savings. That said, I can't tell the difference in tone.

I like the 1-piece bridges because they were part of the original PRS design. Not sure it matters much but it's something fun to upgrade. I also like the 1980-spec bridge (also Mann made) on my 1980 West Street. It just makes the guitar more authentic to me. And, at the end of the day, it's all just entertainment and toys to me. I don't earn my living with my guitars.

Bridges aside, Mann-made saddles (nickel, gold, or raw brass) are more visually appealing to me. They appear to be more polished.

 

[John Mann]

:rock: