When reading the article What Is A Floating Bridge Guitar, you might start to wonder about the real differences between a floating bridge guitar to a fixed bridge guitar. For the uninitiated, the main difference is that you wouldn’t have much intonation problems on the fixed bridge than the floating bridge. This itself should be a plus point already!
Of course, when it comes to intonation, having issues with it on stage can be pretty tricky, especially when it comes to playing metal songs. Due to the rigors of metal, it will be impossible for you to correct the intonation in-situ. As such, having a fixed bridge when it comes to playing metals songs on the electric guitar is paramount.
Having said that, do you know that there are various types of fixed bridges? And do you know how to select them? Read on!
Contents
What Is Important In A Fixed Bridge Guitar
Just so you know, there are several variations to a fixed bridge. Indeed, each of them is different and unique in its own way. Of course, when it comes to playing metal songs, not all fixed bridge will be good. There are some that will enhance the sound, while others may just create some problems for us.
One of the most important aspects, when choosing a fixed bridge guitar for metal, is that the bridge has to be stable enough for the constant jamming. Also, while the amplifier plays an important role, the main role here is still for you to consider the type of fixed bridge on the guitar itself.
Here are the main 3 variations to the fixed bridge.
- Hard Tailed Fixed Bridge
This should be the simplest of the fixed bridge that you can find. The bridge does not move at all, and it is usually screwed onto the body of the guitar. You can adjust the intonation of each of the string via the saddles, but note that there is minimal effort required after you have done the initial installation. The hard tailed fixed bridge guitar is perfect for newbies!
- Tune-O-Matic
The Tune-O-Matic is devised by Gibson, and it is one of the most commonly found fixed bridges in guitars these days. It does have the individual saddles for each of the string, and it can be loosened or tensioned via the two pillars that are located at the side of the bridge. This bridge allows you to change the intonation of each of the string individually, which is a plus point! The sharp string break allows stability when it comes to playing on the guitar too.
- Wraparound
The wraparound is another variation of the fixed bridge. It is differentiated by the way the string is passed through the system. The bridge itself is affixed to the body of the guitar via a metal bar. The guitar string will pass through the bottom of the bar itself and eventually wound to the top of the bar. Since the intonation is more or less fixed by this aspect, the only way to change the tone and sound is to adjust the height of the string from the guitar itself.
With that, we have covered the three basic types of fixed bridges. Here then is our unbiased reviews of some of the best fixed bridge guitars for metal in and around the world.
1. Epiphone Prophecy Les Paul Custom Plus GX Outfit with Gibson 498T/490R Pickups
Gibson guitars are well known to be apt for metal songs. And this is the same for the Epiphone Prophecy Les Paul Custom Plus GX Outfit too. The design of the guitar will bring you back to the Les Paul days, where it was the topic of the town.
The sleek design and the controls are perfect for metal songs. The usual jamming sessions will be filled with the beautiful sound that is coming out from the equally gorgeous guitar. The rosewood fingerboard and the Les Paul style mahogany body offers you more than just aesthetics. The comfort of the grip as well as the feel of the amazing fixed bridge guitar will ensure that you can belt out the metal songs with ease. Trying to emulate Metallica? Here you go!
Pros
- Affordable
- Les Paul style
- Fixed bridge means better intonation
Cons
- Stock strap is ugly
2. Gibson USA HLPS17B8CH1
Another awesome Les Paul style guitar by Gibson, the Gibson USA HLPS17B8CH1 Les Paul Standard will not fail you either.
The high-performance series guitar is perfect for metal songs. It is specifically designed for metal style songs that require more technicality as well as high paced strumming. And to cope with that, the entire guitar is made with metal parts, which includes aluminum, titanium, and steel. You will never be able to break this guitar on stage.
When reviewing the Gibson USA HLPS17B8CH1, we do realize that maple top is AAAA framed. To ensure that the amps could pick up the correct pitch and intonation, there is the 180 plus fully reversible sonic options from the PAF-inspired Burstbucker Rhythm Pro and Lead Pro pickups.
Want to be like Metallica? This might just be it!
Pros
- High quality materials
- Perfect intonation
- Enhanced durability
- Perfect for metal
Cons
- Expensive
3. Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II Electric Guitar
We came across the Epiphone Les Paul SPECIAL-II Electric Guitar while talking to professional musicians who love to belt out metal songs while on stage. After reviewing it, it really lived up to its hype. As of 2018, it is the best seller on Amazon for Les Paul Guitars!
One of the top reason why people love this is its low barrier to entry. It is the cheapest and most affordable Les Paul guitars, making it the perfect fixed bridge guitar for metal, especially for new entrants to the metal scene. With the mahogany body and neck, you can expect quality sound coming from this guitar itself. The pickups are the 700T/650R open-coil humbucking pickups that help to sustain the sound, ensuring that the crowd can be wowed with the lingering sweet notes that you hit when you strum on the guitar.
Sustaining the musical notes can also be achieved by the LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece too. Looking for the perfect fixed bridge guitar for your son or friend who loves to belt out metal songs? You have found the one that is best for the money!
Pros
- Most affordable
- Easy to play metal songs. Aesthetically pleasing too
- Good pickups that allow better sustain
- Best Les Paul style guitar for the money
Cons
- Looks budget
4. ESP LTD EC-401 Electric Guitar
One of the latest up and coming electric guitar that suits music of most genres is the ESP LTD EC-401 Electric Guitar. Widely regarded as the perfect model for beginners to pick up the electric guitar, the ESP LTD EC401 lives up to its fame.
Being a versatile guitar, the ESP LTD EC-401 Electric Guitar has one of the best ranges of powerful tones when it comes to playing metal songs. The EMG 81 and EMG 60 pickup are placed at the fixed bridge as well as the neck area for the best pickups ever. It allows the musician to effortlessly produce sweet sounding music via a reliable amplifier too. While it is not lacking in the specifications, it is also not lacking in terms of aesthetics. What is a better guitar to belt out rock songs than using a sleek, black metallic guitar? It is the epitome of all guitars!
The entire guitar is made of mahogany. Together with the rosewood fretboard, it allows for a perfect intonation as well as a lingering sustaining sound that will reverb throughout the concert hall. This is definitely a must buy for those who are not too concern about the budget, wanting to get the best electric guitar for the money yet wanting to have a Metallica-like experience while playing on stage.
Pros
- Best electric guitar for the money
- Fixed bridge allows for perfect intonation
- Sleek metallic look
- Sound will reverb through concert hall
Cons
- None!
Conclusion
As you can see, we are pretty biased towards the ESP LTD EC-401 Electric Guitar. Just look at the reviews online, especially at Amazon, and you will be putting this guitar into your cart in no time. Perfect for beginners, being light and comfortable to play with, this fixed bridge electric guitar is simply perfect for metal!