Guitar reviews for you - Gretsch Space Control bridge on Gretsch 6120 Amber Maple review

                              The Space Control Bridge fitted to Gretsch 6120 Amber Maple

I've often had a Tunamatic style bridge on which the saddles don't quite align the strings over the pickup screws. The solution is the Space Control bridge.

Whilst it solves the alignment problem, kit doesn't do much for the intonation. I first came across the Space Control bridge on my first Gretsch, a 1974 Viking.

This bridge is very simple, it has a threaded rod supported between two round mounts, on the bar are six threaded 'wheels' which have grooves in for the strings to rest in. You simply adjust the wheels to a rough position of alignment, fit the bar and hook up your strings on your wheels and carefully position them.

I have fitted these bridges to a number of arch top guitars over the years and they work well. This bridge pictured is supplied with an Ebony base which fits the guitar top nicely.

I prefer the Space Control over a Tunamatic as the strings can't snag on the saddles and hang up. Also the wheel movement allows the string to move when using the Bigsby handle which helps maintain tuning stability.

You can buy Tunamatic style bridges with roller saddles fitted which combines the best of both worlds but doesn't really solve the alignment issue.

For its issues I like the Space Control as my bridge of choice!