What are guitar breeches and how to tune them?

The musician should be able to tune his instrument on his own. The electric guitar allows you to adjust the pitch of the strings and the scale. If you do it yourself, you can save time and money, you do not have to contact the masters. Many manufacturers offer pre-configured instruments. However, tuning the bridge is not that difficult, you can learn it.

A guitar bridge is a bridge for an acoustic instrument, or a lower threshold for an electric guitar. The strings pass through this part before entering the body. It should be noted that sometimes the properties of a part differ depending on the model of the guitar.

Bridge functions:

• changes the distance between strings, width and height;
• on some guitars it serves as a supporting element;
• allows you to adjust the height of the string rise above the neck;
• using the tremolo handle, you can make swinging, vibrato.

On an electric guitar, the bridge allows you to smoothly change the key. For this, a lever and a suspension with springs are provided. However, this property is not inherent in all breeches. Some structures, on the other hand, are fixed.

The bridge may look different depending on the guitar. In this case, the part is of 2 main categories: fixed and tremolo system. The first one rigidly fixes the strings to the body of the guitar. There is no lever in the design. You can only pull the strings with your left hand on the fretboard.

The tremolo system has different properties depending on the specific type. This type of bridge is movable. As a result, the musician has more options while playing. And also the type of bridge differs depending on the specific guitar model.

Basic designs of this type were first used on Gibson Les Paul guitars and later on Fenders. Manufacturers are always trying to modernize the fixed bridge, apply new technologies to improve quality.

Varieties of fixed breeches have their own characteristics.

• Tune-o-Matic. It was invented by Ted McCarthy in 1954. Then he was already president of Gibson. In fact, such a bridge has become the standard since then. There are 2 types of string fixing: through the body and with a stop-bar. The latter is typical for Gibson musical instruments. With the first option, the recoil of the wooden body of the guitar itself increases, and the note sounds a little longer. In modern instruments, the Tune-o-Matic can be combined with a stop bar. This type of bridge is much easier to tune, and the response and tone of the guitars are better. Also, the tool does not have to be tweaked too often. A guitar with this bridge is easy to rebuild.

• Brass barrel. The simple design is found on Fender Telecaster instruments and replicas. The main difference is the number of carriages. In the classical version there are only 3 of them, 1 by 2 strings. It also plays the role of a bridge pickup frame.

• Hardtail. Visually similar to the vintage version of the tremolo. It was on the motives of Hardtail that the first system was created. However, this type of fixed bridge does not have a lever. In this model, the strings go through the body. As a result, the sound of the guitar is significantly improved. Visually, the Hardtail has 6 carriages, which are rigidly fixed to the front cover on a plate. The back part is slightly bent and acts as a knot for fixing the strings. And also this version of the bridge serves as a support for the adjusting screws.

These species are considered to be the main ones, but not the only ones. Manufacturers are working to improve the familiar types. Also, a fixed bridge is sometimes called a hardtail. The universal version is used for both seven-string and 12-string acoustics. There are also trapezoidal types in this category.

This type of system can be tuned up or down, or both. There are combination models for classical instrument, bass guitar and electric guitar. Manufacturers often make these systems for 5-string models. There are tremolo options.

• Tremolo. There is a ledge at the bottom where you can install the lever. A metal bar is also attached at the bottom. Strings are passed through such a keel. The lower part of the structure is combined with springs, which are located in a pocket on the back of the case. Tremolos can be different, usually installed on Stratocaster and similar instruments. The springs themselves are needed to return the action after using the lever. Good solution for bass and electric guitar.

• Floyd Rose. The most popular variant of vibrato. This type is also called whammy bar. For the first time, the structure was installed on an electric guitar. The system got its name in honor of its inventor. It is Floyd Rose who owns the patent. In combination with floyd, they usually put a top-lock blocking system. It reduces the load on the tuning pegs and allows you to keep in tune. At the same time, the lower threshold is movable and allows you to change the tension of the strings, to influence the pitch. When the locking system clamps the strings, it becomes impossible to tune with the tuning pegs. Usually, the strings are pulled up first, and then the top-lock is placed. In the future, only the screws on the Floyd are used for adjustment. Floating threshold is used to stretch the note upward, older tremolo systems do not have this advantage. As a result, the guitarist can play a wide range of vibrations or get a more exotic sound.

• Bigsby. This vintage style string holder appeared in the 1940s and was found on Gretsch type guitars, old Gibson type guitars and the like. Bigsby does not allow the tuning to go too low. There is only a limitation in ordinary vibrato. However, such a system is smooth and looks solid. This tremolo was invented by Paul Bigsby, who designed motorcycles. Today the system is usually mounted on semi-acoustic electric guitars, since the bigsbees are mounted on bolts that pull the tremolo to the body.

• Vintage Tremolo. The system first appeared on the legendary Fender Stratocaster. This 6-bolt guitar tailpiece allowed for pitching or pitching. On an electric guitar, such a stand will not allow you to pull up the note too much. With active use of the lever, the tuning is lost quite quickly. There are also newer versions for 2 bolts.

• Wilkinson. Tremolo replaced the previous version. The strings are clamped on the system itself, allowing the guitarist to use the lever freely. If a musical instrument has a nut, then the tuning practically does not go astray.

• Fender Deluxe Locking Tremolo. An interesting model is a merger of the 2 previous ones. One of the perfect types of tremolo system. Usually installed in combination with a roller deflector. As a result, a guitar with such a bridge holds perfectly in tune.

• Ibanez Edge PRO. This view is the easiest and most intuitive to use. The structure is always floating. However, it is impossible to call it ideal. There are always difficulties when changing strings. But this is not all the problems that may appear during the use of the system. Also, you will not be able to adjust the strings in height separately.

• Kahler. The system bears similarities to the Floyd Rose type bridge. There are no springs in the design. The bridge is attached directly to the soundboard of the musical instrument.

• Zero Resistance. The design is complemented by a special locking system. As a result, it is possible to rigidly fix the tremolo. This is especially useful when a string break occurs.

• Schaller Tremolo LP. This tremolo system is one of the most modern developments. The 2-bolt mount looks very interesting, which resembles a fixed bridge. As a result, the guitarist is able to turn up and down the pitch without hindrance.

The bridge needs to be tuned even on a new guitar that has never been used for its intended purpose. The procedure depends on the type and characteristics of the tailpiece. It can be tricky the first time around, but it's important to be careful. For adjustment, you will need tools.

• Hex key set. They come with a bridge. When you buy a new guitar, you already have one.
• Screwdriver. You can use a straight line or a cross.
• Pliers. They are needed to bite off the unnecessary end of the string.

Other tools are used only if there are significant difficulties in setting up. In practice, it is extremely rare. The algorithm of actions is quite simple. You need to start by adjusting the scale and height of the strings above the neck. You need to follow the step-by-step instructions.

• Determine the pitch of the strings at the 12-15 fret position. Optimum should be 2 mm. Sometimes you have to overestimate. Pulling the string too high is not worth it, this will significantly impair playing comfort and lead to permanent loss of tuning.
• Check the scale. It is enough to compare the pitch of the harmonic at the 12th fret and the sound when the string is pressed. If the last sound is higher, then the bridge carriage should be moved away from the neck. If the pressed string sounds lower, then it is necessary to move the part in the opposite direction.
• Tune the tremolo. This nuance is the most difficult. After using the lever, the tuning should be restored. However, in practice, this picture is not always observed. To solve the problem, the slots for the strings on the nut from above are treated with graphite grease. The next step is to adjust the tension under the keel. Usually, it is sufficient that the bridge rests on the body of the musical instrument. However, some people prefer to slightly raise the note using the lever.

Not all beginners can tune a tremolo. In some cases, they simply make a block in order to maintain the formation. The skill of working with this element of a musical instrument comes with experience. As a result, the system will not knock out the tuning of the guitar, and locking is simply not required. In some cases, it makes sense to contact the wizard for the first setup in order to learn from the experience.

For other nuances of tuning a bridge on a guitar, see the video below.