Tuffset Bridge

Tuffset Frets: 58

26 Nov, 2023

Hello all,

It's been some time since the last update, and I’m thrilled to announce we’re now entering the final phase of the Tuffset journey!

Thanks to all who commented in the previous thread about the bridge - https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/252063/new-uk-made-offset-bridge/p1

Mods - I will of course be happy to make any changes to this post you deem appropriate! I hope it's alright and in the spirit of this forum section.

I’ll jump right into the most common questions we’ve been getting, but feel free to read on for more details. As always, I welcome any questions and comments you might have and endeavour to read and reply to every one

TLDR:

Tuffset Bridge prototypes have been receiving amazing feedback from builders and players in the UK

The design has been finalised, and the Tuffset is currently being manufactured

We anticipate the Tuffset Bridge will be available in February 2024 - join the mailing list on the Tuffset Website and be the first to know when it’s available.

Here’s a sneak peek at the Tuffset testing mule, my own 1965 Lake Placid Blue Fender Jazzmaster outfitted with a Stainless-saddle Tuffset bridge:

The most obvious difference you will notice is that the footprint of this bridge is larger than the 2.1 Prototype I’ve shared before. I think this helps the Tuffset look more at home in a vintage context, less similar to a TOM-type bridge; and also allows for a huge 11mm of intonation adjustment which should allow it to be suitable for use even on a Bass VI!

Bringing the Tuffset to Luthiers & Builders:

Once the latest prototypes rolled off the presses, we wasted no time getting them into the hands of trusted luthiers, players, and builders in the UK with a “Tuffset Roadshow” of sorts. During their hands-on experience with the Tuffset Bridge, our guinea pigs had some fantastic insights not just on how the bridge feels and sounds within the guitar, but also on the process of installation and adjustment.

If you're a builder or tech in the UK and you'd be interested in playing the Tuffset, send me a PM or comment below and I'll do my best to come and visit you too

I’m delighted to say most were quick to highlight the exceptional clarity and power of the vibrato action. Many have hands-on experience with various aftermarket Offset bridges and fixed-post bridges, and what surprised them most was the complete freedom to lean into every note - every bend, every divebomb and every chord - without some nagging doubt that tuning will be lost or setup will come unravelled.

I’m pleased to say that the general consensus was that the authentic qualities of an Offset guitar are retained or heightened with the Tuffset, each string delivering a stronger and clearer signal without the typical drawbacks like dead spots, poor sustain, or unwanted buzzing that can often dog these unique instruments - but without transforming the unique sound of the instrument or authentic floating vibrato action that drew many of us to these guitars in the first place.

Despite copious abuse of the whammy bar, we were physically unable to put the guitar out of tune - and the locking system ensures that time spent dialling in the perfect setup isn’t squandered the next time you open your guitar case!

Creating the Installation Guide

I like to think we in the Offset tribe are generally pretty good at setting up a guitar, mostly because we’ve grown up doing it every five minutes!

We want each and every Tuffset player to use the bridge effectively and get the absolute best out of their guitar from day one - whether they’ve come through with Loctite-stained fingernails, or whether this marks their first tentative steps into the intriguing world of Offset guitars.

The Tuffset Installation Guides (product manuals) are now completed, and I’m really chuffed to share a sneak preview with you here!

We are supporting the manual with a video playlist which will be available online in several parts.

The packaging has been manufactured, and we have taken great care to design the dimensions of the product and shipping boxes to allow free shipping to Europe, the USA, Canada, the UK and many other territories worldwide.

Engineering Update

One important design decision that came out of this round of prototypes was the adoption of a 60° string slot instead of the more common 90° slot you might find on Mustang-style or other aftermarket bridges. We’re rolling this out now as a standard feature for all Tuffset rocking bridges.

For all their problems, I always credit the original Offset bridges for their ability to grip the strings and rock effectively. The older and more corroded they are, the better tune they seem to keep! But we mustn’t forget that the original string slots, being screw threads, were 60° - and playing these prototypes, I think that makes a bigger difference than I had realised.

Rocking bridges require the saddle and the string to grip onto each other, and the 60° string slot made a noticeable improvement - not only in the responsiveness of the bridge to vibrato use, but also in preventing your fretting hand from accidentally knocking the bridge out of its rocking axis.

It also effectively lowers the profile of the bridge slightly, so it might prevent “bottoming out” on the pickguard if that’s a problem on your guitar.

With the 60° string slots, it took a noticeably greater force to make the bridge “slip” on the strings, and we think this is of great benefit to players with robust picking hand technique who might have found rocking bridges too fragile in the past.

It all adds up to a super responsive vibrato action; and a firm, confidence-inspiring feel under the fretting hand. Every edge of the Tuffset is chamfered, and every locking screw head is flush with the saddle - we want the Tuffset to deliver in every way, including player comfort!

If you’re interested in further content, videos and updates we will be posting regularly on the Tuffset Instagram @tuffsetbridge in the run up to launch and beyond. Coming soon is a comparison video featuring the pictured 1965 Jazzmaster, comparing the Stock bridge to the Tuffset bridge, which I’ll also post on here for anyone interested.

Tuffset Bridge

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