Skylark
I'm upgrading my Epiphone Lespaul & Epiphone Dot ES-335 - NC refinish , tonerider pickups , good Pots and tone cap
Big question:
Is it worth upgrading the stock Epiphone bridge and Tailpiece to GOTOH Bridge and Vintage Gotoh Aluminuim Tailpiece?
Will cost approx R1400 per guitar incl labour. (Old bridge seats will need to be pulled - Dont match GOTOH)
They are both rather Sweet sounding examples of LP & ES-335 so it would be money well spent if it is going to add noticeably to the tone.
But Will it?!!
Any thoughts on this?
Anyone done this bridge/tailpiece upgrade on an Epiphone?
MikeM
Locking tailpiece is definately good idea, but R1400 sounds insane. I am planning to do mine with the Gotoh bits and it's going to cost me around R700 including shipping and I'm pretty dam sure you can buy Gotoh ones that fit the metric Epis straight.
singemonkey
I've got the aluminium tailpiece on my Tokai. Unfortunately, there are so many factors involved that I can't tell what effect it has on the tone. Maybe one day I should try swap it with my Gibson's and see if there's a noticeable difference.
I would say be careful not to over-invest in your guitars. But as long as you can use the parts on another guitar down the line if you decide to sell them, then it shouldn't be a problem.
AlanRatcliffe
Aluminium tailpiece is an upgrade, but it's a subtle one adding a touch of "air". Great for vintage style tones, but completely wasted if you are a hard rocker. Bridges there is not enough difference to warrant the change, IMO - unless you are going for a locking bridge (a la TonePros) - and even that is relatively subtle.
I'd do the electronics first then re-evaluate. That makes a huge difference and you may find the guitar does everything you want and more, needing no further upgrades.
