A floating bridge hollow body guitar is a type of guitar that combines the features of a hollow body guitar and a floating bridge. Hollow body guitars are known for their warm, mellow sound, while floating bridges allow players to use vibrato and bending techniques.
The floating bridge on a hollow body guitar is typically made of metal and is attached to the body of the guitar with springs. The strings are anchored to the bridge, and when the player bends or vibratos the strings, the bridge moves up and down, changing the pitch of the strings.
Floating bridges can be a great way to add versatility to a hollow body guitar. They allow players to create a wider range of sounds, from subtle vibrato to dramatic bends. However, they can also be more difficult to set up and maintain than traditional bridges.
Here are some of the advantages of using a floating bridge on a hollow body guitar:
- Variety of sounds: Floating bridges allow players to create a wider range of sounds, from subtle vibrato to dramatic bends.
- Comfortable playing: The floating bridge can help to reduce string tension, which can make playing more comfortable.
- Easy to adjust: Floating bridges are typically easy to adjust, which can be helpful if the guitar goes out of tune.
Here are some of the disadvantages of using a floating bridge on a hollow body guitar:
- More difficult to set up: Floating bridges can be more difficult to set up than traditional bridges.
- More prone to problems: Floating bridges can be more prone to problems, such as the strings going out of tune or the bridge becoming misaligned.
- Can affect sound: Floating bridges can affect the sound of the guitar, making it sound brighter or thinner.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use a floating bridge on a hollow body guitar is a matter of personal preference. If you are looking for a guitar that offers a wide range of sounds and is comfortable to play, then a floating bridge hollow body guitar may be a good option for you. However, if you are not comfortable with the potential problems that can occur with floating bridges, then you may want to choose a guitar with a traditional bridge.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when considering a floating bridge hollow body guitar:
- The type of music you play: Floating bridges are often used in jazz and blues music, but they can also be used in other genres.
- Your playing style: If you are a heavy vibrato player, then a floating bridge may be a good option for you. However, if you are not a heavy vibrato player, then you may not need a floating bridge.
- Your budget: Floating bridge hollow body guitars can be more expensive than traditional hollow body guitars.
If you are considering buying a floating bridge hollow body guitar, it is important to try out a few different guitars to see which one you like the best. You should also talk to a qualified guitar technician to get their advice.
