The Gretsch Pages: Discussions: Other Equipment: Introducing Tru-Arc Bridges

Introducing Tru-Arc Bridges

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- Rated: 204 ↑
Aug 7, 2008 10:35 a.m. Proteus:

Well, of course it's early...
- Rated: 41 ↑
Aug 10, 2008 2:36 a.m. J(esse James)D:

Prot, got mine in the mail today. Thanks

It looks great, and I'll get it on one of gits later this weekend.

String spacing looks a little wider, but that's just holding it next to the stock bar.

The Jet or Falcon will get this one and I'll test her out.

Nice packaging, nice touch
- Rated: 12 ↑
Aug 12, 2008 6:46 a.m. sroux:

This post has been deleted
- Rated: 12 ↑
Aug 12, 2008 6:55 a.m. sroux:

WOW!

Got mine in the mail yesterday. First thing I noticed was the weight. The aluminum bridges is about half the weight of the stock one. Side by side you really notice the difference in the two. The stock bridge appears to be around a 14" radius. The Tru Arc fit perfectly on the ebony base for my adjustomatic. I quickly detuned and put the bridge assembly on. I think the spacing is slightly different on the Tru Arc, but this is definately for the better.

First thing I noticed is how much easier my 6120 was playing. Not sure why, but the string tension felt a lot looser. I guess the radius being perfectly matched takes the "fight" out of the guitar. NICE!

My 6120 definately sounds spankier, and their is an definate "snap" to the notes. The difference in attack is really noticeable. I didn't restring, so I have a couple of month old flatwounds on the guitar currently. I will restring with my usual string so I can more of a sound comparison.

I'm really, really impressed Proteus. I expected some improvement in playable, but the Tru Arc really made my 6120 play like "buttah"

I'll probably be getting a steel one later on, so I'll have the whole arsenal of bar bridges!

Great construction, and a world class polish job, Proteus. Excellent packaging as well.

I'm a happy customer!
- Rated: 19 ↑
Aug 12, 2008 6:21 p.m. Vinkie:

Got mine in the mail today and I am surely impressed too. The Alu emphasises the more twangier and snappier nature of my 6120 which IMO is an improvement for that guitar. I have fitted a Brass one on my 'Club and it sounds and plays quite well there too. Proteus' handrubbed finish really makes it look in line with all th other gold hardware which is more than I expected. Highly recommended for any bar bridge Gretsch!
- Rated: 3 ↑
Aug 13, 2008 1:44 p.m. sergi:

Got mine today in Barcelona. ( I will put it on tomorrow)

Thanks so much Proteus!

s.
- Rated: 6 ↑
Aug 14, 2008 11:48 a.m. tedzepplin:

I got my tru-arc. thanks Proteus!
- Rated: 14 ↑
Aug 14, 2008 12:18 p.m. reverb11:

Ah... still waiting for mine! I feel like a kid waiting for Santa! I want it to arrive while I'm still on holidays so that I have lots of time to play with it... I'm glad to hear so many favourable reviews from other GDPers who have received theirs.

Giddy in anticipation in the Great White North,

Shawn
- Rated: 41 ↑
Aug 16, 2008 5:11 p.m. J(esse James)D:

Prot, I was going to put the AL120 on my DEO, but things are getting a little delayed on this project.

I just put it on my '06 DuoJet with Dynas, and I'm loving the transition. It's "just right" to my ears with an aluminum "Bar".

Just a note of concern. The high and low E spacing is towards the outer edge of the Dyna slugs of the bridge pup, but dead nuts on the neck pups. I would say about .060 "wide" on each outer string.

The next two strings are a little wide too. About .040 "off center" from the bridge pup slugs.

Is this "normal" Not a major issue with Dynas because those slugs are so strong.

Top notch machining, a polished shine to die for, tone....................and the radius seems better.

She plays like butter now.

I need two more AL120's, but could you check on the string spacing.

Many Thanks........great product
- Rated: 17 ↑
Aug 17, 2008 9:13 a.m. Dr Nyl:

Just ordered an AL-120 for my Jet.

The aftermarket BB i bought from Parts is Parts was like 20!! radius, so beware of those.
- Rated: 12 ↑
Aug 18, 2008 9:50 a.m. sroux:

Ok...yesterday I changed the flats out for roundwounds. Put on a set of D'Addario 11-52.

My 6120 sounded killer with the flats, but MAN those roundwounds + aluminum bar makes it twang, clang, and bang!!

The lower strings speak with more authority now. The stock bar is a tad warmer, and rounder, but didn't bark like the TruArc!

Color me MORE impressed! The action is MUCH better now as well. I have the low E at 5/64, and the high E at a hair above 3/64, and it plays like buttah!!

Here's a couple of (crappy) photos of the bridge. Man Proteus, a million thank yous for this endevour!

http://members.cox.net/sroux/08-17-08_1529.jpg

http://members.cox.net/sroux/truarc1.jpg

http://members.cox.net/sroux/truarc.jpg

Sorry about the picture quality, they're from my phone..
- Rated: 204 ↑
Aug 18, 2008 10:16 a.m. Proteus:

Guys, thanks for the good word on Tru-Arcs - I thought they were pretty cool, and the guys who heard them at the Roundup were impressed, but it's good to have those perceptions consistently corroborated!

We've adjusted hole spacing slightly to optimize fit on various bases, and we're looking into the string spacing matter now. They'll be right, we promise.

I believe we have confirmation that Tru-Arcs fit on
• standard Gretsch bar bridge bases
• standard Gretsch Adjusta-Matic bases
• 5120 Adjusta-Matic bases!

... and I THINK on Space Roller bases, but I'm verifying that today.

I'm anxious for someone to weigh in with a report on the stainless...it really works for me.

Thanks again for your support!
- Rated: 47 ↑
Aug 18, 2008 10:22 a.m. dmanlow:

What about a custom Tru-Arc that will fit on a Synchro/Melita base? Maybe you're not the right guy to ask. Should I redirect my question to the Tru-Arc Custom Shop?
- Rated: 204 ↑
Aug 18, 2008 10:27 a.m. Proteus:

Hey! I don't see why that would present a problem. In fact, I like that idea. You want one?
- Rated: 47 ↑
Aug 18, 2008 10:51 a.m. dmanlow:

Hmmm? I was kind of holding out for a little while to see if there were going to be any new developments coming along in the near future. If I recall correctly I thought you mentioned somewhere that you had "somethings" in the works. I'd really prefer one gold plated. In addition, it doesn't help that I just re-slotted my factory bar bridge two weeks ago to correct the radius issue. Let me think it over and get back to you. Thanks!

On a side note, have you thought about doing a Tru-Arc from hollow tube stock? It would likely be trickier to manufacture but it might present us with a whole new tonal spectrum to experiment.

I was thinking you could likely drill, lathe, and bend the tube stock as you do now but might need to sand fill them or something to prevent crushing/kinking. You'd also need a new process for closing the tubular ends. If you can picture a plastic tampon applicator(feminine hygiene product) and how the rounded end is finished on those, the same principle should work for a piece of tubular metal for a finished end.

I know Tru-Arc is in its infancy but it might be one more thing to think about down the road.

We could likely do without the string.
- Rated: 66 ↑
Aug 18, 2008 11:13 a.m. Walter Broes:

I think a hollow tube for a bridge would probably have the sustain of a banjo and create all kinds of resonance and weird overtones.
- Rated: 41 ↑
Aug 18, 2008 4:56 p.m. J(esse James)D:

Prot, I've just emailed and PM'd you some info and figures
- Rated: 204 ↑
Aug 18, 2008 6:44 p.m. Proteus:

OK, and I was just considering the disclaimers and safety information I need to include with the packaging: not to be taken internally; please keep away from electrical outlets; bridge may be heavy, please don't strike your forehead with it.

Now I have to add "not intended for use in bodily orifices."

Geez.

And yeah, we're going to play with hollow tubes, though I have no idea what they'll be like!
- Rated: 20 ↑
Aug 18, 2008 8:54 p.m. troy6120:

I want my next Tru-Arc to have a string!!! And if I play the guitar for too long, I'll get TSS (toxic shock syndrome).
- Rated: 12 ↑
Aug 18, 2008 9:29 p.m. sroux:
- Rated: 47 ↑
Aug 18, 2008 10:15 p.m. dmanlow:

On second thought, I might actually get the wife a Tru-Arc for her birthday. Do they come in surgical grade stainless?
- Rated: 204 ↑
Aug 18, 2008 10:55 p.m. Proteus:

Oh man.
- Rated: 25 ↑
Aug 20, 2008 11:48 a.m. Shuie:

Mr Postman brought the Tru-Arc Aluminium bridge today.

It slipped straight onto the bridge base perfectly. The perfect string spacing and accurate arc confirm the quality of the engineering. Lovely polished finish, burnished to look the way chrome plating used to.

Unlike JesseJames, I had no issue with the polepiece/bridge alignment.

The guitar looks a lot sleeker, now. I really like the minimal aesthetic. It sounds significantly better, too. Much more so than expected. Very even balance with a smooth, rich ring and a compelling zingy attack.

Taking the plunge on this is something I'm never going to regret.
- Rated: 41 ↑
Aug 20, 2008 1:54 p.m. J(esse James)D:

Shuie, what Gretsch did you put yours on?? Do you have Duncan/vintage/RI Dynas or TV/Gretsch Filters??

Thanks
- Rated: 2 ↑
Aug 20, 2008 7:25 p.m. Kingpinboogie:

Got mine last week- perfect retro fit! Great product, highly recommend!