The Evertune bridge has been a big topic in the guitar world lately, and rightfully so! It’s the first guitar Innovation that truly keeps your guitar perfectly in tune. Today we are going to check out some companies that have the Evertune bridge installed from the factory.
The Evertune Bridge: A Modern Solution For An Ancient Problem
One of the biggest problems of being a guitar player, is a blessing and a curse: Your Gear. And the biggest problem by far that you constantly hear about guitar, is tuning. This is because even the strongest woods and best hardware parts are fickle. The guitar staying in tune is reliant on several factors:
- The Nut
- Tuning machines
- Setup/Intonation
- Strings
- Temperature/Climate
- Bridge
This is a lot to deal with. You can go over all the parts of a guitar that make the tuning stable, and still have problems at the end of the day. For a person that has guitar as a hobby, this is just a small inconvenience. But if you play shows regularly as a gigging artist, this can be a huge problem.
Most guitarists have to setup their guitars when the seasons change, as wood shifts. This is to ensure that the tuning stability is perfect every time you hit the stage. Professional touring guitarists usually have a technician for this job, to keep the guitars on tour in tip-top shape. being a guitar tech on the road is a full time job, that takes a ton of time and patience.
But what if you could bypass having those constant setups and problems? We have already talked about how The Evertune bridge system works, and what an amazing innovation it is. The Evertune is fully mechanical, and has no electronic parts or gimmicks.
Originally, Evertune bridges would have to be retrofit in your guitar, and you would have to contact the people at Evertune to have the process done. Over the past few years, many companies have adopted the Evertune Bridge for their most popular models, and today…we take a look at the top 5 that I have been able to try out!
#5 The Framus Stormbender
Framus is known for making high quality, unique designs at a very high level of proficiency. These guitars are usually considered “boutique” since they are made in smaller batches, and often they are very expensive. Due to the popularity of this guitar, they have made a more affordable model.
The Framus Stormbender is Devin Townsend’s signature guitar. If you are a fan of avant-garde progressive metal, then you probably know all about The Devin Townsend Project. Devin started his career being the front man for Steve Vai way back in 1992. Devin has had many other bands since then and has earned the nickname “Heavy Devy”.
Devin was one of the early Evertune bridge users and he has used it since Framus signed him as an artist. Devin often plays 200 shows a year during a tour cycle, and he has said the Evertune Bridge literally changed his life and made touring so much easier. His more affordable signature model has tons of amazing specs:
- Mahogany Body
- Flame maple Top
- Set Neck Construction
- Ebony Fretboard
- 25.5 Scale Length
- 22 Extra Jumbo Frets
- Graphtech Nut
- Fishman Fluence Pickups
- Graphtech Locking Tuners
This beautiful guitar is Made In Germany and comes with all of the bells and whistles that it’s $5000 brothers usually have. The only difference is the less complicated finish, and few missing features like the LED lights. But this amazing instrument comes with everything you need!
The Graphtech nut and tuning machines are the best of the best when it comes to keeping your strings in tune. With the case of the Evertune bridge, these features are almost superfluous. But the locking tuners certainly make string changes easier and faster.
The Fishman Fluence pickups are designed by Devin himself, and with the push/pull tone knob configuration you can get just about any sound you want. Not only do you have the two Fishman voices, but you also have a coil split option to get single coil sounds. This gives Devin his huge, versatile sound in the studio and on stage.
Is the Stormbender worth the money? I think it definitely is! This is by far the most expensive option on our list but you have to realize that this is a boutique company. This is a case of “you get what you pay for” without a doubt. The workmanship is next level compared to most production guitars and the attention to detail is second to none.
#4 ESP/LTD EC1000ET
ESP was one of the first major guitar companies to start using Evertune Bridges in their production guitars. The Japanese manufacturer started with just a few of the most popular models but have since expanded to the entire lineup. Almost every model can now be purchased with the Evertune already installed and ready to go.
ESP gained popularity in the 80’s when Metallica became an endorser of the guitars, and ESP has released several models for the band over the years. While James Hetfield has his own models and designs these days, he started off with an awesome version of the Eclipse model for his signature guitar.
The ESP Eclipse is one of the absolute best Les Paul alternatives, and we have talked about them a lot here! The higher end Eclipse models come with all of the specs you would expect from ESP:
- Mahogany (Khaya ivorensis) Body
- Quilted Maple Top
- Set Neck Design
- Makassar ebony (Diospyros celebica) Fretboard
- Abalone Inlays
- 24 Extra Jumbo Frets
- 2 Volume/1 Tone Knob
- 3 Way Toggle Pickup Switch
- Mini Switch
- Grover Tuners
- Name Brand Pickup Options
The Eclipse comes with some of the best features when it comes to the woods and materials. Mahogany has been used in LP Style guitars for years, and is the perfect wood for this kind of guitar. The Ebony fretboard is smooth and durable, and you get amazing Abalone Inlays.
The ESP EC1000 series comes with several different pickup options for the models that include the Evertune Bridge. You have a choice between Seymour Duncan, EMG, and recently Fishman Fluence Modern pickups. No matter which model you choose, you have some of the best pickups in the world, and this means less upgrading down the road!
You also get a graphite nut, and Grover tuners to ensure your tuning stability is perfect! This guitar really has it all. The EC series has two different options for strings also. The Eclipse comes in 6 and 7 string model variants, with th same features regarding both.
#3 Solar AB 1.6
We have talked a lot about Solar Guitars and the new AB series. These new models are designed by Ola Englund himself to be a huge departure from the usual Solar lineup. These beautiful guitars have a matte finish and sport different pickup options from most of the usual Solar fare. The specs are pretty awesome:
- Alder Body
- Roasted Maple Neck
- Bolt On Construction
- Luminlay Side Dots
- Slim C Neck Profile
- Locking Tuners
- Duncan Pickups
- Stainless Steel Extra Jumbo Frets
The Solar AB series has a lot to take in when it comes to features! Starting with the pickup combo, you have a ton of tonal options to choose from. The stacked single coil in the neck can give you creamy lead tones and jangly cleans. While the humbucker in the bridge is a full-on Metal monster.
Aside from the Evertune Bridge, you also get locking tuners to keep you assured that changing strings and staying in tune is easy, and not a chore. Every Solar guitar comes with a nicely fitted graphite nut as well.
My favorite feature by far is the stainless steel frets. We have seen a plethora of guitar manufacturers use stainless steel over the last 3 years. This is huge for a player like myself, who feels like they are constantly doing fretwork to their guitar. Whether it’s cleaning, or just plain wear to the frets, stainless holds up better and should stand up to the test of time.
Solar started using the Evertune bridge pretty early on. It makes sense for someone who is constantly in the studio like Ola. he records with three different bands, as well as his solo project. Almost every Solar Guitar has the option for the Evertune bridge, in case the Solar AB isn’t really your cup of tea. Solar is also very affordable!
#2 BC Rich Prophecy Shredzilla
We have talked a little bit about 2021 being the “comeback year” for BC Rich. The often overlooked brand has an all new lineup this year based on the classic models that made BC Rich Famous in the 80s. This year all of the classic models are back with brand new specs and features, with most models featuring the Evertune bridge:
- Mahogany Body
- Archtop
- Poplar Burl Top
- Maple/Wenge Neck
- Abalone Inlay/Binding
- Ebony Fretboard
- Neck-through Construction
- Graphtech Nut
- Dimarzio Pickups
- Grover Tuners
- Straplocks
The BC Rich prophecy is definitely a guitar that is ready to rock the stage, no upgrades needed. The specs not only sound good on paper, they are actual upgrades that are usually aftermarket options. Like strap locks and name brand pickups. pair this with the Evertune bridge system, and you have the perfect guitar for gigging.
The aesthetics on this beast are truly something to behold. The Poplar Burl top has a beautiful finish, and is arched like a Les Paul style guitar. The same goes for the Abalone binding that surrounds the whole guitar, and the fret inlays.
The choice to use tried-and-true Dimarzio pickups was a good one. In the bridge you have the famous D Activator humbucker, designed for high gain chugging. In the neck, you have the equally famous Dimarzio Super Distortion that makes for warm solos and lead playin with excellent string definition.
I honestly want to see BC Rich make a huge comeback with the new 2021 lineup. These guitars sit right in the mid-range when it comes to price, yet they are full of aftermarket features that you usually only see on guitars that are twice as expensive. Now that these models have the Evertune bridge, it’s a good time to give BC Rich a shot!
#1 Solar A1.7C
That’s right, Solar makes the list twice! The reason being, is this may be the ultimate 7 string for anyone wanting to see the Evertune bridge at it’s full potential. Not only is Solar been proven to be a reliable company, but Ola knows a thing or two about extended range guitars and how to do them right. The specs speak for themselves:
- Alder Body
- Maple neck
- Ebony Fretboard
- 24 Jumbo Stainless Steel frets
- Graphite Nut
- Duncan Solar Pickup Set
- Locking Tuners
- 26.5 Baritone Scale Length
Not only has Ola Englund been using the Evertune bridge for quite a while, he also has played 7 string guitars for a good portion of his career. He started by using Ibanez guitars back when they were the only company that mass-produced a good 7 string guitar.
The baritone scale is perfect for standard 7 string tuning, but it’s even better if you plan on drop tuning. The biggest problem you get when it comes to drop tuning is usually string tension, and staying in tune! The Evertune bridge immediately solves a lot of these problems, since it never goes out of tune, regardless of the string tension.
Like most Solar guitars you also get premium upgrades like the stainless steel frets, and Duncan Solar pickups. A lot like BC Rich, you’re getting a ton of features for the money. Once you try these features, with the combination of the Evertune bridge, you’ll wonder how you ever played any other 7 string!
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An Honorable Mention: ESP Ben Weinman Signature
I wanted to include this guitar in the list, but it is certainly not for everyone. This one is a little more “out there” than the more traditional Metal guitars that we have listed here. Much like Ben’s music with The Dillinger Escape Plan, this guitar will be for a specific taste. But that doesn’t mean that it’s lacking in any features:
- Semi Hollow Mahogany Body
- Maple Top
- Thin U Neck
- Ebony Fretboard
- Fishman Fluence Pickups
- Chrome Hardware
- Locking Tuners
The Ben Weinman signature is based on Ben’s preference for a rather rare ESP guitar called the Xtone Series. These were a limited run series that came about in the mid 2000’s. The Xtone was made for Jazz players, originally. That is, until Ben got ahold of them. The Xtone became his main gigging guitar, as well as an ESP Horizon model.
Ben was also an early adopter of the Evertune bridge and starting using it around the same time as Devin Townsend. If you have ever seen a Dillinger show, you know that their performance is just as chaotic as their music! Ben uses the Evertune bridge as a “safety net” since he often abuses his equipment!
The ESP BW model is intriguing since it is a Semi Hollow guitar, unlike most “Metal” guitars that are often solid body. This gives the guitar a huge, bassy tone that gets cleaned up with the high fidelity of the Fishman Fluence pickups. This guitar is definitely versatile, and in a league of it’s own.
I can understand though, that this may not be for everyone. It is pretty far from being your typical Metal guitar…but it definitely can chug! Yet it also lends itself to versatility beyond just playing heavier music. The ESP BW Signature is just as strange and weird as it’s designer!
Is The Evertune Bridge Right For You?
At the end of the day, that’s the big question isn’t it? Is the Evertune system something you really need? There are many pros, and a few cons. The main con being that the bridge adds a little bit of weight to your guitar, and some guitarists do not get along with the “feel” of the bridge.
Personally, I would have loved to have my guitars outfitted with the Evertune bridge back when I was gigging. I didn’t have a guitar tech for most of my career, so I was left to my own experience when it came to working on my equipment. This was ararely ever ideal since things seem to go wrong at the worst time!
If you are a professional guitarist, I think the Evertune bridge is something that can save you a lot of time and effort at the end of the day. After the initial setup, you never have to worry about going out of tune in the middle of a song again. Likewise, this is a valuable tool when you are in the studio as well. The best way to know if Evertune is right for you, is to try it out!
Is Evertune worth it?
If you are a professional guitarist that plays a ton of shows, or you do a good amount of studio work, then the Evertune bridge could give you a huge advantage. The operation is strictly mechanical, and your guitar never goes out of tune.
Are factory installed Evertune bridges set up out of the box?
Most companies definitely set the Evertune bridge to standard tuning before leaving the factory. Should you want to change something about it, like string gauge, you will have to adjust it.
Is Evertune hard to setup?
The Evertune may seem very complex at first. But the bridge is easily adjusted once you get the hang of it. Once you have chosen a tuning and a string gauge, you never have to worry about going out of tune again.
Do professional guitarists use Evertune?
Lots of popular artists have starting using the Evertune bridge over the last few years. It makes life on the road much easier, as you never have to “setup” your gigging guitars. people like Devin Townsend, Ola Englund, and Ben Weinman have used Evertune for years.
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