Brass V. Aluminum V. Steel

[JohnA]

So what are the differences in tone between these metals? I was probably going to buy an aluminum bridge, but I just wanted to get some feedback.

[thegarehanman]

There was a thread about this on another forum recently.

Look here

peace,

russ

[Kevan]

Before the nut and after the saddle, the metal of choice won't affect the strings cycling abilities.

If the string touches it, brass is a popular option....but it will wear quickly.

If the string doesn't touch it, stainless steel is a good option and will last for a very (very) long time.

I love all these guys with titanium trem blocks and unobtanium bridge plates. Makes me giggle.

Before the nut and after the saddle, you want a strong, durable material. Steel, zinc and titanium are good choices. Brass and aluminum are not because they are very 'soft' metals.

Choose your components wisely, and with your ears.

[thegarehanman]

unobtanium

You know, I heard that stuff can be really hazardous to the health of your wallet. Weird thing is, I can't find it on the periodic table. What's the abbreviation, $$? Maybe it's based on the latin translation or something.

...

[Nitefly SA]

isnt that the stuff from the core?

[JohnA]

So more mass doesn't increase sustain or anything like that?

I've also heard brass saddles are brighter, this is all just myth?

Edited February 3, 2006 by JohnA

[orgmorg]

Unobtanium is a long running joke in sci-fi and engineering circles. I cracked up when it turned up in the movie " The Core ". I think the actual definition is " a material specified by engineering, but unavailable to purchasing" orrr... something like that. I remember many years back when everyone said that aluminum was the worst thing for a bridge, it sucks the tone right out of the instrument. Now it is said to possess tone enhancing properties or some such hoo-ha. I wonder what quantum changes aluminum has undergone in the past 20 years. I wouldn't worry much about it, just get something you like.