Robben Ford Discussion

texasflood_dk · Member Joined: 21 Dec 2004 Posts: 11 Location: Denmark

I am about to replace my schaller bridge for a tune-o-matic" bridge
(and stoptail piece) on my '87 Fender Esprit RF, but I am unsure of which set will fit.

I have found a Tone Pros set :
"TONEPROS LPGM04 G TUNEOMATIC SET GOLD",
but I am unsure if it will fit according to the threading.
I think the spacing is OK.

Anyone got any ideas or who have done this replacement.
_________________
TF

Gear :
Fender Esprit RF '87
Fender SRV strat '91
Zendrive, Empress Tremolo, TS9
Fuchs ODS50

texasflood_dk · Member Joined: 21 Dec 2004 Posts: 11 Location: Denmark

Hmm no answer.

I am replying to my own thread if others can benefit from my experience..

I ordered the Tonepros LPGM04 in gold finish and it fits right on.
The threading is the same.

Sound :
I think the sound is really clear now with added sustain.
Having said that I must mention that i have replaced all switches, pots and capacitors.

Mayby the original rollerbridge had a tendency to mute out some of the sound, i don't know but the sound is better thats for sure.

I am thinking of installing a pair of SD Antiquity humbuckers later.
_________________
TF

Gear :
Fender Esprit RF '87
Fender SRV strat '91
Zendrive, Empress Tremolo, TS9
Fuchs ODS50

ducharme-jones · Posted: Tue May 10, 2011 9:55 am Post subject:

I appreciate the info, I have an '84 Esprit that I just fitted w/ new Pups and am interested in changing out the bridge. So thanks for sharing.
_________________
www.davidducharmejones.com

jconstant · Posted: Tue May 10, 2011 8:34 pm Post subject:

For what it's worth, Robben suggested to me that I replace the stock bridge that came with my '91 MIJ RF model with a Nashville style bridge. He felt pretty strongly about it so I did. Frankly, that was back in the '90s and I don't remember what it sounded like before I did it but I'm happy with it.
_________________
"Somebody's got to make some music around here." - Robben Ford

follow_the_music · Member Joined: 30 Mar 2008 Posts: 37 Location: Austria

The ABR Bridge is a huge improvement for the Esprits. Also a PU change will make a much better sounding guitar. But you also have to change the potis to 500k to make those PAFs sound right.
_________________
"The most important thing is that you make sure you follow the music, which is a musician’s way of saying follow your heart. (Robben Ford)

ducharme-jones · Posted: Thu May 12, 2011 12:31 pm Post subject:

Hey Jim, I knew and why didn't I ask you about this. Changing out to 500k pot's I didn't think of.
_________________
www.davidducharmejones.com

jconstant · Posted: Thu May 12, 2011 1:54 pm Post subject:

frank0936 · Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 11:05 am Post subject: pots and bridge

Where do you find ABR bridges? Also if you're talking a the newer Squier Esprit, I checked mine last night and it already has 500k pots.
Frank

follow_the_music · Member Joined: 30 Mar 2008 Posts: 37 Location: Austria

As far as I know, only the old MIJ master series guitars with the Schaller PUs had the 1Meg potis.
The lower the resistance, the lower the resonance peak of the PU. Some people go as low as 300k, but I would not recomend that for a neck PU unless it sounds too sharp to your ears. IMeg potis make a humbucker sound quite bright, and the ramp up characteristic of the poti is not very pleasing.
I will examine my bridges next time I change strings.
Thomas
_________________
"The most important thing is that you make sure you follow the music, which is a musician’s way of saying follow your heart. (Robben Ford)

follow_the_music · Member Joined: 30 Mar 2008 Posts: 37 Location: Austria

Update: I read some very good reviews about a german hardware maker: ABM (http://www.abm-mueller.com/index2.html)and gave them a try, since their bridges are also very fair priced.
I changed the bridge on both of my esprits and I have to say the results are very impressive. I never thought that a bridge can make such a difference in tone, since both of my esprits had quite a nice tone before with its Schaller Nashvills.The ABM bridges are cut out of one piece of bell brass. (Most ABR bridgeslike Schaller or Gibson etc are made of a pressed zinc alloy)and you will need a nashville style bridge and also get new studs.

This gives a huge, cristal clear tone with big dynamic, very touch sensitive, a tone which follows each command of your pick and fingers, really great...
_________________
"The most important thing is that you make sure you follow the music, which is a musician’s way of saying follow your heart. (Robben Ford)