Upgrade switcheroo

[GS1]

I was thinking of upgrading the bridge of my SE Bernie to a Mann adjustable, then I thought why not upgrade the S2 Singlecut Standard to that bridge instead, and put the USA stop tail from the S2 onto the Bernie. Since both the S2 and SE have the metric studs and stud wells, won't the swap over from the S2 to the SE just be a matter of switching the un-plated brass studs and USA bridge over? I realize that to install the Mann bridge, I need to use the included USA stud wells. Am I missing something here?

I am also thinking about a pickup swap in the S2, and trying the 7's in the Bernie, but one step at a time!

 

[DHW]

Pretty sure that s2 has an import bridge... The metric studs would be a dead give away.

 

[justmund]

You're missing something I think, AFAIK the S2 has imperial studs since it's a core bridge.

You can change over the bridge from the S2 to the SE as far as I know, but either keep the studs, or use the studs that come with the MannMade 2300 on the S2 (if that makes sense)

 

[GS1]

I took this off of the Mann website: PRS S2 & SE guitars use metric studs & stud wells. This is what made me think that I could just do a simple swap. Maybe the USA bridge plays nice with both Metric and Imperial studs?

 

[justmund]

The bridge should play nice with both studs I'm thinking. Quite surprised that the S2 has metric studs tho, doesn't make sense on quite a few levels.

I'm changing the bridge of my S2 to a MannMade 2300 soon so if I get mine before you get yours, I'll let you know the upshot

 

[GS1]

The bridge should play nice with both studs I'm thinking. Quite surprised that the S2 has metric studs tho, doesn't make sense on quite a few levels.

I'm changing the bridge of my S2 to a MannMade 2300 soon so if I get mine before you get yours, I'll let you know the upshot

I know, it doesn't make a ton of sense why you wouldn't just use the standard USA parts. I may give them a ring just to confirm. Look forward to seeing yours!

 

[garrettb]

Sorry to play semantics, but in the company materials they do say the stoptail bridge on the S2 is the same as Core, but they say nothing of the studs. I'm sure John Mann knows his stuff, but I just did a little looking and the threads on my S2 studs appear to have the wider spacing of the SE studs.

The S2 posts are clearly different from Core since they don't have the plated tops, so maybe they source the wells and studs from Korea?

I'll be following your results with great interest. My S2 already sounds great and sustains wonderfully, but the 2300 was such an improvement on my HBII that I'm very tempted to make the change on the S2 as well.

 

[dkilpatrick]

I put a MannMade 2300 on my S2 SC. The original bridge was the USA core bridge. Not sure about the studs.
Mann supplies you with new studs for his bridge, but I didn't use them.
The 2300 works fine with the S2 studs

 

[GS1]

Looks great! A worthwhile upgrade?

 

[bodia]

Looks great! A worthwhile upgrade?

I've done 3. Yes, definitely

 

[GS1]

Here is the full blurb from the website:

*** Note - PRS S2 & SE stoptail equipped guitars:

• MannMade USA bridges are supplied with 5/16-24 (US thread) Studs, which DO NOT fit metric stud wells.
• PRS S2 & SE guitars use metric studs & stud wells.
• To fully utilize our superior product, you will need to replace the metric stud wells with the Brass 5/16-24 (US thread) stud wells, which are included with the bridge, as well as the necessary tools to perform the swap.

 

[garrettb]

I put a MannMade 2300 on my S2 SC. The original bridge was the USA core bridge. Not sure about the studs.
Mann supplies you with new studs for his bridge, but I didn't use them.
The 2300 works fine with the S2 studs

Great! I think it would be cool to get the satin Mann bridge to use with my stock studs. Mine already have a nice bit of oxidation going and I like the raw look.

 

[dkilpatrick]

I believe only the threads are different. John Mann himself installed the bridge on my S2 and asked if I preferred to keep the unplated studs or switch out to his plated ones. I liked the unplated look so we kept them. We took calipers to both and they were the same size where the bridge makes contact with the stud. Only noticeable difference above the guitar surface is that the S2 stud has a slight radius on the top and the Mann's are flat, or the other way around.
both studs are brass.

 

[GS1]

I believe only the threads are different. John Mann himself installed the bridge on my S2 and asked if I preferred to keep the unplated studs or switch out to his plated ones. I liked the unplated look so we kept them. We took calipers to both and they were the same size where the bridge makes contact with the stud. Only noticeable difference above the guitar surface is that the S2 stud has a slight radius on the top and the Mann's are flat.
both studs are brass.

Thanks for the great insight! That makes for an easy install then! You can see how I was a bit confused. I believe one of these will be on the way to me soon.

 

[justmund]

Righto, I stand corrected

I ordered my 2300 with unplated studs, so I'm keeping "the look"

 

[John Mann]

The studs are slightly different in the critical areas of post groove diameter and width. You can use the PRS studs, but the bridge will tip slightly, as their posts have a slightly wider groove.

Obviously, my posts where designed to be used with my bridge, so my recommendation would be to use the posts I provide.
BTW... they work with PRS & other brand bridges too!

~ John

I believe only the threads are different. John Mann himself installed the bridge on my S2 and asked if I preferred to keep the unplated studs or switch out to his plated ones. I liked the unplated look so we kept them. We took calipers to both and they were the same size where the bridge makes contact with the stud. Only noticeable difference above the guitar surface is that the S2 stud has a slight radius on the top and the Mann's are flat, or the other way around.
both studs are brass.

 

[dkilpatrick]

There you go, from the Mann himself

 

[justmund]

Thanks John! I'll have to find the right bolt/nut now to remove the studs from my S2

 

[John Mann]

When you order and specify S2 or SE, I include the tools necessary.

John

Thanks John! I'll have to find the right bolt/nut now to remove the studs from my S2

 

[Mikegarveyblues]

John has a video on changing out the bushings.

Having done it on my Bernie I can tell you it's quick and easy!