Rubber bridge?

rfcii

Joined: Oct 28, 2018
Posts: 185
Quimper Peninsula, WA
United States

Posted on Aug 20 2023 10:48 AM

Anyone played around with a rubber bridge on their electric? Makes an interesting, potentially surfy, sound. A bit like the Jaguar mute, supposedly.

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Tqi

Joined: Dec 07, 2014
Posts: 1222
2 Security Pins

Posted on Aug 20 2023 05:11 PM

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Last edited: Feb 02, 2024 16:36:03

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Redfeather

Joined: Jul 30, 2016
Posts: 893
3 Download Pins

Posted on Aug 20 2023 06:09 PM

I'd say this effect is one I'd use too infrequently to justify applying to the beloved sparkle Jag. But it's a perfect excuse to buy some ol' beater guitar for cheap and make it the plink machine for those times you want it.

I think the rubber bridge is like a having a cheese slicer. The kind with the wire cutter on a hinged arm. You don't use it that often but when you need it, it's the absolute perfect tool.

Unlike all other methods of deadening the sustain that come to mind, the rubber bridge offers the benefit of not affecting the intonation adversely.

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synchro

Joined: Feb 02, 2008
Posts: 4460
Not One-Sawn, but Two-Sawn . . . AZ.
United States

Posted on Aug 21 2023 12:13 AM

It sounds better than I would have expected. However, my Visa card remains secure, in my wallet.

—

The artist formerly known as: Synchro

When Surf Guitar is outlawed only outlaws will play Surf Guitar.

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Tqi

Joined: Dec 07, 2014
Posts: 1222
2 Security Pins

Posted on Aug 21 2023 01:28 AM

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Last edited: Feb 02, 2024 16:36:38

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Redfeather

Joined: Jul 30, 2016
Posts: 893
3 Download Pins

Posted on Aug 21 2023 01:46 AM

I'm gonna save you $295. Or £231.73.

Buy a capo, cut padded strap off, and duct tape that across your bridge. The silver tape will even match your guitar!

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edwardsand

Joined: Jun 29, 2018
Posts: 776

Posted on Aug 21 2023 08:13 AM

So after listening to some of the playing in the video, I'll say it has a nice sound that could be useful. But it's too limiting - I would not want my guitars to sound that way all the time, and I want more often to make flat out biting, ringing, clanging sounds. Of course, with a Jaguar, Jazzmaster, or Mustang, it's relatively easy to change the bridge out so you wouldn't be stuck with this one - it would make it an option for recording songs, but not really for playing live unless you've got multiple guitars on stage and like switching between them during sets.

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synchro

Joined: Feb 02, 2008
Posts: 4460
Not One-Sawn, but Two-Sawn . . . AZ.
United States

Posted on Aug 21 2023 09:29 AM

edwardsand wrote:

So after listening to some of the playing in the video, I'll say it has a nice sound that could be useful. But it's too limiting - I would not want my guitars to sound that way all the time, and I want more often to make flat out biting, ringing, clanging sounds. Of course, with a Jaguar, Jazzmaster, or Mustang, it's relatively easy to change the bridge out so you wouldn't be stuck with this one - it would make it an option for recording songs, but not really for playing live unless you've got multiple guitars on stage and like switching between them during sets.

I just watched the entire video, sans the wordplay vignette at the end. (I’d had far more than enough of that at the beginning.) it’s a great sound, and exceptionally useful, but, far too limiting. Were I the Tommy Tedesco of our day, I’d have ordered one, even before writing this response, because it’s a very useful tool. But it’s far too limiting for most usage, and I wouldn’t want it on a primary instrument.

One of the things I love about my Squier Jaguar is its versatility. It gets into Strat territory, and even does a pretty good job for Jazz. I can switch between these sounds rapidly, literally with the flick of a switch.

My initial reaction, even before they said it in the video, was that this would be perfect for recording. If I were recording a lot of Surf, this would make for a perfect sound that remains consistent. For someone that intends to record a lot of Surf, a Squier with one of these bridges and a set of flat-wound strings would be a great tool.

However, live performance is another matter. If you watch The Eagles reunion concert, Hell Freezes Over, there are constant instrument changes from song to song, but these are accomplished quickly and seamlessly because each player had a tech to assist in the swap. Living in my reality, where I don’t have a full time guitar-tech/footman/cup-bearer/butler, instrument changes during gigs take too long, and I like to keep things moving when playing in public.

Because of this, I have a self-imposed rule that at a gig, I only use guitars which can handle the entire gig; usually a Gretsch. Jaguars are also versatile enough for most gigs, although the short scale of a Jaguar would not be my first choice for fingerstyle playing.

I see the availability of this bridge as a good thing. We have a lot of options when it comes to Fender Offset accessories or replacement parts, and that’s a good thing. I which the maker of this bridge great success.

—

The artist formerly known as: Synchro

When Surf Guitar is outlawed only outlaws will play Surf Guitar.

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DaveMudgett

Joined: Mar 17, 2019
Posts: 162
Central PA
United States

Posted on Aug 21 2023 01:02 PM

I see no advantage to this, as compared to just having the classic Jaguar mute that one can engage, or not, as one sees fit. Beyond that, if mutes are such a great idea, then why have most players ripped them off their Jags? I personally found the mute on the Jags I've owned usefully occasionally, but never used them more than occasionally. Muting with the palm takes care of >98% of my muting needs.

—

The Delverados - surf, punk, trash, twang - Facebook
Chicken Tractor Deluxe - hardcore Americana - Facebook and Website
The Telegrassers - semi-electric bluegrass/Americana - Facebook

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Joelman

Joined: Sep 07, 2006
Posts: 1493
Redlands, CA
United States

Posted on Aug 21 2023 05:07 PM

Guys guys,
just put a piece of silicone tube under the strings before the bridge. Easy to install, and easy to take out between songs . If needed.
you can get the effect for about a dollar.
I used to use an old gym style sock. The kind with colored stripes at the top.

Last edited: Aug 21, 2023 17:09:01

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BB_Bunny

Joined: Sep 13, 2020
Posts: 182
New York
United States

Posted on Aug 21 2023 05:11 PM

I'd be curious to hear what the difference is between using an actual rubber bridge and any other techniques involving a regular bridge and something to mute the strings (foam, rubber strip, palm, jaguar mute, etc). It's unfortunately not the sort of thing I can just try out at a local guitar shop so if anyone pulls the trigger on modding their instrument, I'd love to hear a shootout!

—

Premiere Single Out Now! - Keep On Running
Psychic Chime - Instagram
Psychic Chime - Twitter
Professional Website (film-scoring)

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edwardsand

Joined: Jun 29, 2018
Posts: 776

Posted on Aug 21 2023 10:16 PM

My Jaguar is a 1967 and came with the original mute - unfortunately, the foam was too degraded to be useful, so I took it off and never really tried it. So maybe I should fix it with some weather stripping and see if it does anything for me. It doesn't hurt to have another option to get a different sound out of your guitar.

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synchro

Joined: Feb 02, 2008
Posts: 4460
Not One-Sawn, but Two-Sawn . . . AZ.
United States

Posted on Aug 21 2023 10:19 PM

edwardsand wrote:

My Jaguar is a 1967 and came with the original mute - unfortunately, the foam was too degraded to be useful, so I took it off and never really tried it. So maybe I should fix it with some weather stripping and see if it does anything for me. It doesn't hurt to have another option to get a different sound out of your guitar.

You might want to check and see if Fender, or some aftermarket vendor, sell replacement foam. I have. Gretsch where the foam is a bit crunchy, but I was able to order an OEM replacement.

—

The artist formerly known as: Synchro

When Surf Guitar is outlawed only outlaws will play Surf Guitar.

Top

BB_Bunny

Joined: Sep 13, 2020
Posts: 182
New York
United States

Posted on Aug 21 2023 11:15 PM

edwardsand wrote:

My Jaguar is a 1967 and came with the original mute - unfortunately, the foam was too degraded to be useful, so I took it off and never really tried it. So maybe I should fix it with some weather stripping and see if it does anything for me. It doesn't hurt to have another option to get a different sound out of your guitar.

I'm pretty sure Puisheen addresses this in his teardown of a '64 Jag. Sounds like he typically gets replacement foam from either Fender or StewMac. Love his vids for everything offset and his channel is well worth a look if you're not already acquainted!

—

Premiere Single Out Now! - Keep On Running
Psychic Chime - Instagram
Psychic Chime - Twitter
Professional Website (film-scoring)

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Tqi

Joined: Dec 07, 2014
Posts: 1222
2 Security Pins

Posted on Aug 22 2023 02:17 AM

-

Last edited: Feb 02, 2024 16:36:44

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rfcii Joined: Oct 28, 2018 Posts: 185 Quimper Peninsula, WA	Posted on Aug 20 2023 10:48 AM Anyone played around with a rubber bridge on their electric? Makes an interesting, potentially surfy, sound. A bit like the Jaguar mute, supposedly. Top
Tqi Joined: Dec 07, 2014 Posts: 1222	Posted on Aug 20 2023 05:11 PM - Last edited: Feb 02, 2024 16:36:03 Top
Redfeather Joined: Jul 30, 2016 Posts: 893	Posted on Aug 20 2023 06:09 PM I'd say this effect is one I'd use too infrequently to justify applying to the beloved sparkle Jag. But it's a perfect excuse to buy some ol' beater guitar for cheap and make it the plink machine for those times you want it. I think the rubber bridge is like a having a cheese slicer. The kind with the wire cutter on a hinged arm. You don't use it that often but when you need it, it's the absolute perfect tool. Unlike all other methods of deadening the sustain that come to mind, the rubber bridge offers the benefit of not affecting the intonation adversely. Top
synchro Joined: Feb 02, 2008 Posts: 4460 Not One-Sawn, but Two-Sawn . . . AZ.	Posted on Aug 21 2023 12:13 AM It sounds better than I would have expected. However, my Visa card remains secure, in my wallet. — The artist formerly known as: Synchro When Surf Guitar is outlawed only outlaws will play Surf Guitar. Top
Tqi Joined: Dec 07, 2014 Posts: 1222	Posted on Aug 21 2023 01:28 AM - Last edited: Feb 02, 2024 16:36:38 Top
Redfeather Joined: Jul 30, 2016 Posts: 893	Posted on Aug 21 2023 01:46 AM I'm gonna save you $295. Or £231.73. Buy a capo, cut padded strap off, and duct tape that across your bridge. The silver tape will even match your guitar! Top
edwardsand Joined: Jun 29, 2018 Posts: 776	Posted on Aug 21 2023 08:13 AM So after listening to some of the playing in the video, I'll say it has a nice sound that could be useful. But it's too limiting - I would not want my guitars to sound that way all the time, and I want more often to make flat out biting, ringing, clanging sounds. Of course, with a Jaguar, Jazzmaster, or Mustang, it's relatively easy to change the bridge out so you wouldn't be stuck with this one - it would make it an option for recording songs, but not really for playing live unless you've got multiple guitars on stage and like switching between them during sets. Top
synchro Joined: Feb 02, 2008 Posts: 4460 Not One-Sawn, but Two-Sawn . . . AZ.	Posted on Aug 21 2023 09:29 AM edwardsand wrote: So after listening to some of the playing in the video, I'll say it has a nice sound that could be useful. But it's too limiting - I would not want my guitars to sound that way all the time, and I want more often to make flat out biting, ringing, clanging sounds. Of course, with a Jaguar, Jazzmaster, or Mustang, it's relatively easy to change the bridge out so you wouldn't be stuck with this one - it would make it an option for recording songs, but not really for playing live unless you've got multiple guitars on stage and like switching between them during sets. I just watched the entire video, sans the wordplay vignette at the end. (I’d had far more than enough of that at the beginning.) it’s a great sound, and exceptionally useful, but, far too limiting. Were I the Tommy Tedesco of our day, I’d have ordered one, even before writing this response, because it’s a very useful tool. But it’s far too limiting for most usage, and I wouldn’t want it on a primary instrument. One of the things I love about my Squier Jaguar is its versatility. It gets into Strat territory, and even does a pretty good job for Jazz. I can switch between these sounds rapidly, literally with the flick of a switch. My initial reaction, even before they said it in the video, was that this would be perfect for recording. If I were recording a lot of Surf, this would make for a perfect sound that remains consistent. For someone that intends to record a lot of Surf, a Squier with one of these bridges and a set of flat-wound strings would be a great tool. However, live performance is another matter. If you watch The Eagles reunion concert, Hell Freezes Over, there are constant instrument changes from song to song, but these are accomplished quickly and seamlessly because each player had a tech to assist in the swap. Living in my reality, where I don’t have a full time guitar-tech/footman/cup-bearer/butler, instrument changes during gigs take too long, and I like to keep things moving when playing in public. Because of this, I have a self-imposed rule that at a gig, I only use guitars which can handle the entire gig; usually a Gretsch. Jaguars are also versatile enough for most gigs, although the short scale of a Jaguar would not be my first choice for fingerstyle playing. I see the availability of this bridge as a good thing. We have a lot of options when it comes to Fender Offset accessories or replacement parts, and that’s a good thing. I which the maker of this bridge great success. — The artist formerly known as: Synchro When Surf Guitar is outlawed only outlaws will play Surf Guitar. Top
DaveMudgett Joined: Mar 17, 2019 Posts: 162 Central PA	Posted on Aug 21 2023 01:02 PM I see no advantage to this, as compared to just having the classic Jaguar mute that one can engage, or not, as one sees fit. Beyond that, if mutes are such a great idea, then why have most players ripped them off their Jags? I personally found the mute on the Jags I've owned usefully occasionally, but never used them more than occasionally. Muting with the palm takes care of >98% of my muting needs. — The Delverados - surf, punk, trash, twang - Facebook Chicken Tractor Deluxe - hardcore Americana - Facebook and Website The Telegrassers - semi-electric bluegrass/Americana - Facebook Top
Joelman Joined: Sep 07, 2006 Posts: 1493 Redlands, CA	Posted on Aug 21 2023 05:07 PM Guys guys, just put a piece of silicone tube under the strings before the bridge. Easy to install, and easy to take out between songs . If needed. you can get the effect for about a dollar. I used to use an old gym style sock. The kind with colored stripes at the top. Last edited: Aug 21, 2023 17:09:01 Top
BB_Bunny Joined: Sep 13, 2020 Posts: 182 New York	Posted on Aug 21 2023 05:11 PM I'd be curious to hear what the difference is between using an actual rubber bridge and any other techniques involving a regular bridge and something to mute the strings (foam, rubber strip, palm, jaguar mute, etc). It's unfortunately not the sort of thing I can just try out at a local guitar shop so if anyone pulls the trigger on modding their instrument, I'd love to hear a shootout! — Premiere Single Out Now! - Keep On Running Psychic Chime - Instagram Psychic Chime - Twitter Professional Website (film-scoring) Top
edwardsand Joined: Jun 29, 2018 Posts: 776	Posted on Aug 21 2023 10:16 PM My Jaguar is a 1967 and came with the original mute - unfortunately, the foam was too degraded to be useful, so I took it off and never really tried it. So maybe I should fix it with some weather stripping and see if it does anything for me. It doesn't hurt to have another option to get a different sound out of your guitar. Top
synchro Joined: Feb 02, 2008 Posts: 4460 Not One-Sawn, but Two-Sawn . . . AZ.	Posted on Aug 21 2023 10:19 PM edwardsand wrote: My Jaguar is a 1967 and came with the original mute - unfortunately, the foam was too degraded to be useful, so I took it off and never really tried it. So maybe I should fix it with some weather stripping and see if it does anything for me. It doesn't hurt to have another option to get a different sound out of your guitar. You might want to check and see if Fender, or some aftermarket vendor, sell replacement foam. I have. Gretsch where the foam is a bit crunchy, but I was able to order an OEM replacement. — The artist formerly known as: Synchro When Surf Guitar is outlawed only outlaws will play Surf Guitar. Top
BB_Bunny Joined: Sep 13, 2020 Posts: 182 New York	Posted on Aug 21 2023 11:15 PM edwardsand wrote: My Jaguar is a 1967 and came with the original mute - unfortunately, the foam was too degraded to be useful, so I took it off and never really tried it. So maybe I should fix it with some weather stripping and see if it does anything for me. It doesn't hurt to have another option to get a different sound out of your guitar. I'm pretty sure Puisheen addresses this in his teardown of a '64 Jag. Sounds like he typically gets replacement foam from either Fender or StewMac. Love his vids for everything offset and his channel is well worth a look if you're not already acquainted! — Premiere Single Out Now! - Keep On Running Psychic Chime - Instagram Psychic Chime - Twitter Professional Website (film-scoring) Top
Tqi Joined: Dec 07, 2014 Posts: 1222	Posted on Aug 22 2023 02:17 AM - Last edited: Feb 02, 2024 16:36:44 Top

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Rubber bridge?