SPACE BAR - Gretsch Replacement Bridge
SPACE BAR - Gretsch Replacement Bridge
The SPACE BAR corrects the problems with the original Gretsch Space-Control Bridge.
As a fixture on many Gretsch models over the decades, the Space-Control bridge provides each string with a transversing (side to side) adjustment, making it possible to set string spacing manually.
The SPACE BAR adds a lightning bolt intonation line to the original Space-Control design while retaining the imperative horizontal single-string adjustment capability.
SPACE BAR Features:
- Compensated lighting bolt design for improved intonation
- Individually adjustable string spacing
- Compatible with Bigsby vibrato systems
- Traditional vintage styling
- 12-inch radius
Compatibility:
The SPACE BAR will fit on any Gretsch with a Space Control bridge, including USA-made and imported guitars.
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Now, I don't know the lovely guys at Music City Bridge and emailed them prior to my purchase, while I did not get a reply, I still decided to take a chance on their Space Bar.
Initially, I saw that Music City Bridge was working on this improvement bridge on a YouTube video with Tom Bukovac visiting them, and making a lot of sense as you would expect.
This is genuinely a drop in replacement, and turned a love/hate guitar into one I cannot put down.
It got installed on a standard previously hated Japanese Gretsch 6128T which I've had for 15 years and was never truly happy with.
I never suspected the bridge could make such a difference in playability and enjoyment.
It definitely is a way better guitar now (I am intermediate player, pub bands), not just in terms of intonation being "more" accurate but the feel, the wanting to pick it up and play it, and the tone too, maybe because I enjoy it more, probably.
Before this upgrade, I had the nut changed, I had setups, changed the pickups for TV Jones, still a love/hate thing, and did not know why, but never thought about the bridge piece, for a whole 15 years.
For me the bridge piece was part of the identity of the guitar, the look, so never really thought about it or never thought I would want to substitute it or customise the guitar, an object that looked too divine out of its case.
But it doesn't deface it, and the Bigsby seems happier in use too, I don't think it stayed in tune before with extended use.
I feel my Gretsch needs a good setup now, I genuinely just dropped this replacement on the bridge which was somehow pinned and did not try to move it.
I just loosened and lifted the strings, replaced it, impatient dirty style.
It's not perfect (I don't think it can be by design), but it's genuinely incredibly better, just my opinion.
I am UK based (do not be discouraged by ordering from the UK, very smooth, took about 10 days to be delivered with my cheapest chosen shipping option).
I hope my review helps you make a decision, and I hope Music City Bridge check their spam and say hi back one day, I love what they made here, no regrets, at all.
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Who we are:
Music City Bridge products are designed by Joe Glaser and the master technicians at Glaser Instruments. Our offerings are the result of decades of experience and are trusted by professional musicians around the world.
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Our promise:
We will do everything in our power to ensure you have a good experience with our products. If you have any questions. Call or email anytime.
615-606-2720 howdy@musiccitybridge.com