Compton Compensated Bridge Testing
Compton Compensated Bridge Compared to a Gretsch Adjusto-Matic TM Bridge
As a Gretsch Jet owner and music enthusiast, I have been hearing a lot of buzz about third party replacement guitar bridges called, Compton Compensated Custom Bridges. Being that music equipment can often fall into phases of fads and gimmicks, I decided to conduct an independent pseudo-scientific comparison of the the stock Gretsch Adjusto-Matic TM bridge and the Compton Compensated Bridge in order to judge the difference myself. While comparisons of clean before and after sounds might have been conducted already, my review twist is that I will compare fully effected and colored end-to-end scenarios where there guitar is run through effects and amplification. The goal of this test is to determine what kind of difference might be audibly noticeable to a guitarist playing with a real-world effected rig.
First, a little background on the test setup:
Disclaimer
I am an independent guitar player with no affiliation to any music company.
Test Guitar
The guitar used in the tests to follow is a 2010 G6128T-TVP, Power Jet TM with Bigsby. This is a semi-hollow body classic Gretsch design similar to the Duo Jet, but enhanced with TV Jones pickups, a pinned bridge, and Sperzel locking tuners.
Strings
The guitar is strung with DR Pure Blues 10-46 strings. To change the bridge, the strings were loosened but not removed. Hence, the strings are literally the same set for each test.
Effects
The 3 tests are simply riffs played through a Boss GT-8, an Electro-Harmonix Memory Man, or both at once. Though, each test type uses the exact same effects and setttings.
Amplification
The samples are played through a GT-8 simulated Fender Pro Reverb amplifier and recorded with a Sure SM57 microphone. Again, all settings and levels are kept constant for each test.
Recording
The recordings are captured via SPDIF digital port right off the GT-8 with no additional ADC (Analog to Digital Conversion) to color the tests. The SPDIF output/input is connected directly to an Ubuntu Studio workstation running Ardour.
The Bridges
Compton Compensated Custom Bridge
The Compton Compensated Custom Bridge is a solid third-party replacement bridge that can be special ordered to the exact size, fretboard radius, and string gauges desired. The Compton bridges are available in various metals, but in this case a stainless steel model is used.
(Note: the bridge pictured is covered with lots of finger prints. See the company web site for better photos)
Adjusto-Matic TM
The Gretsch Adjusto-Matic TM bridge is the stock bridge shipped with most Gretsch guitars.
The Tests
Test 1: Chords
The first test is a progression of 4 chords inspired by the Cure.
Results: The Compton sample is noticeably deeper and fuller sounding. Plus, there is a tremendous difference is the swell of sustain at the end of the riff not present in the Adjusto-matic.
Test 2: Fast Riff
The second test is a 140 bpm riff played with thick effects inspired by the Chameleons
Results: Horrible playing asside, this test exposes a very audible difference in the levels of slap-back echo between the two. The echo on the Adjusto-matic fades off fairly quickly while the echo is louder, longer, and more pronounced with the Compton. This test is clear illustration of the superior sustain achieved with a Compton bridge.
Test 3: Rhythm RIff
The third test is a rhythmic descending riff with a slide near the end.
Results:
Conclusion
