The evolution of the PRS Stoptail

[garrettb]

Since I've been honeymooning with my S2, it got me thinking about the different variations of the stoptail bridge PRS has used over the years. So, help me geek out and fill in the details if you like.


We have the original nickel-plated, one-piece, milled aluminum bridge with nickel-plated brass posts.

Then came the adjustable version. Nickel plated again, same posts. I haven't noticed what the saddles are made of.

Piezo-equipped variant of the adjustable.

Then, in recent years they made things more interesting. The S2 series is said to use the same stoptail as Core, so that's an un-plated, polished, one-piece milled aluminum bridge. The S2 has bare brass posts, but I haven't seen a Core guitar without plated posts.

I've seen another variant with brass inserts in the string slots. I don't know where/if that's being used?

Then I guess we can get into the rarely applied Tune-o-matic, and now the PRS two-piece bridge.

 

[dsenoj]

I've seen another variant with brass inserts in the string slots. I don't know where/if that's being used?

The stoptail bridge with brass inserts comes on Paul's Guitars.

 

[prs19]

You also have the stoptail on the Mark Holcomb and the S2 Vela.

 

[IRG]

I think we need pics! Good thread btw.

 

[Dusty Chalk]

There's also the wraparound bridge.

 

[IRG]

There's also the wraparound bridge.

Which is what my SE Clint Lowery has, in black chrome, which looks really slick. The SE Marty Friedman has it too, although in regular chrome.

 

[garrettb]

There's also the wraparound bridge.

Ah, the SE series provides another set of variables.

I know the originals are chrome plated aluminum with chrome plated brass posts. Not sure how the bridge itself is made.

So, the pic above is the SE adjustable wraparound?

We can also talk seven string.

Pics are always good!

 

[CoreyT]

My favorite bridge so far that I want on a future core singlecut, wraparound adjustable.

 

[andy474x]

Love the unplated bridge on my Mira X, rings for days. After having the one piece SE stoptail and the adjustable found on the ZM/Akesson etc., I will definitely be going with the adjustable on any future SE. Not that the one piece is bad, but the adjustable is fantastic.

 

[Ol'Lefty]

For years, I have done battle with Tune-O-Matic bridges on intonation. Then I get my S2 with the one piece, non-adjustable bridge and it has perfect intonation, even when I have changed string diameters. I have tried 9-46, 10-46 and 11-46 and every set came out spot on. I have many different bridges in my parts bin including one of the lovely Schroeder Boat-Tail combination bridges and the TonePros combination, but I have not needed them on this gem of a guitar. It is truly the most flexible guitar I have ever owned. With the S2 Singlecut (no pickguard and birds) and the Robert Cray Strat I finally feel satisfied with my factory built guitars. All that is left for me now is to finish my builds if I want other guitars. I am not in the financial situation that would allow me to go into the special grades of PRS- otherwise I would buy one just to have those extra beautiful woods. I don't play well enough to justify that kind of investment anyway and frankly I doubt I would abandon the S2-mine is that good.

 

[Dusty Chalk]

Which is what my SE Clint Lowery has, in black chrome, which looks really slick. The SE Marty Friedman has it too, although in regular chrome.

Oh...please post pics, I lurv black chrome.

 

[Dusty Chalk]

So, the pic above is the SE adjustable wraparound?

Got me, I just image-googled "prs wraparound bridge" and picked the one that most obviously showed why it was called a wraparound bridge. I thought I saw it on some non-SE guitars, but I could be wrong.

 

[IRG]

Oh...please post pics, I lurv black chrome.

From their website, it is a wrap around, adjustable, in black chrome.

 

[IRG]

Not sure this pic of mine is any better:

 

[WEDGE]

The stoptail bridge with brass inserts comes on Paul's Guitars.

My wood library Artist McCarty came with this bridge too.

 

[László]

I haven't seen a Core guitar without plated posts.

Pretty sure I have unplated brass posts on my McCarty Singlecut's tailpiece.

 

[Ol'Lefty]

My S2 Singlecut has unplated brass posts too.

 

[Spikedog007]

Here's the one on the Paul's guitar with the brass inserts...

 

[garrettb]

Apparently, somewhere in the last few years they stopped plating the entire post, and instead just plate the top. Originally they were nickel all over.

We also have the 12 string (shows the plated-top posts well):