Electric guitars come in a variety of designs, and one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a guitar is the type of bridge. There are two main types of bridges: floating bridges and fixed bridges.
Floating bridges are free to move up and down. This allows you to use the tremolo arm to bend notes, do divebombs, and create other effects. However, floating bridges can also be a bit finicky. If you push down too hard on the tremolo arm, it can cause the strings to go out of tune.
Fixed bridges are not free to move. This means that you can’t use the tremolo arm to bend notes or do divebombs, but it also means that the strings are less likely to go out of tune.
So, which type of bridge is right for you?
The best type of bridge for you will depend on your playing style and preferences. If you like to use the tremolo arm for bending notes and doing divebombs, then a floating bridge is the way to go. However, if you’re not a big tremolo user, or if you find that a floating bridge goes out of tune too easily, then you might want to consider a fixed bridge.
Here are some things to consider when choosing a bridge:
- Your playing style: If you’re a heavy tremolo user, then you’ll need a bridge that can handle the abuse. A floating bridge is the best option for this.
- Your preferences: Some people just prefer the look and feel of a floating bridge. If you’re one of those people, then go for it!
- Your budget: Floating bridges can be more expensive than fixed bridges. If you’re on a budget, then you might want to consider a fixed bridge.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which bridge is right for you is to experiment. Try out different guitars with different bridges and see what you like best. There’s no right or wrong answer, it all comes down to personal preference.
Here is a table of the pros and cons of floating and fixed bridges:
| Feature | Floating Bridge | Fixed Bridge |
|---|---|---|
| Tuning stability | Less stable | More stable |
| Range of motion | More range | Less range |
| Effect on tone | Can change the tone slightly | Does not change the tone |
| Price | More expensive | Less expensive |
I hope this article helps you decide whether to get a floating or fixed bridge guitar. Thanks for reading!
Additional considerations:
- String height: If you have a floating bridge, you’ll need to adjust the string height so that the strings are not too high or too low. If the strings are too high, it will be difficult to bend notes. If the strings are too low, they will be more likely to go out of tune.
- Intonation: You’ll also need to adjust the intonation of your guitar so that the notes are in tune all the way up and down the neck. This is especially important if you’re using a floating bridge.
- String breaks: If a string breaks on a floating bridge, it can cause the other strings to go out of tune. This is why it’s a good idea to have a spare set of strings on hand.
Conclusion:
The decision of whether to use a floating or fixed bridge is a personal one. There are pros and cons to both setups, so it’s important to experiment and see what works best for you.
