TonePros AVR2 ABR-1 Vintage Locking Tune-O-Matic Bridge — Brass Saddles, Black (AVR2-B)

The TonePros AVR2 (AVR2-B) is a locking ABR-1 style bridge — the exact replacement for the bridges found on vintage Gibson instruments and vintage reissue guitars originally fitted with ABR-1 style bridges. Built to maintain the complete visual appearance of the original vintage part while adding TonePros' locking system, extended intonation range, and engineered-in solid saddles that prevent the lift and displacement against the retainer wire that original ABR-1 saddles are prone to. Thread specification is 6/32 US (ABR-1 thread), post-to-post spacing 73.75mm, 12-inch radius, Zamak bridge body, brass saddles and brass posts and thumbwheels. Saddles are un-notched — professional saddle notching is required before setup. Extra tight construction eliminates the rattles and resonance loss associated with loose tolerance vintage and budget replacement ABR-1 bridges. A direct retrofit for most vintage and reissued USA guitars without modification.

ABR-1 vs Nashville — Confirming Your Bridge Format

AVR2 Series — Three Saddle Variants

Engineered-In Solid Saddles — Solving the Original ABR-1 Saddle Problem

The original ABR-1 bridge uses a thin wire retainer to keep the individual saddle pieces in the bridge body. This retainer wire holds the saddles in position but does not prevent them from lifting against the wire under string tension — particularly on the wound strings where the saddle slot geometry and string angle can cause the saddle to rise or shift over time. On original vintage instruments, saddle lift and displacement is a known and recurring maintenance issue.

The AVR2's saddles are engineered-in solid — the saddle pieces are designed and toleranced to sit in the bridge body without the ability to lift against the retainer wire. They remain correctly seated under string tension and playing load without periodic adjustment or the risk of saddle displacement during playing. This eliminates one of the most frequent maintenance issues on ABR-1 format bridges while maintaining the complete visual appearance of the vintage part.

Extended Intonation Range

The original ABR-1 bridge has a limited range of saddle travel — the distance each saddle can be moved forward or backward to achieve correct intonation. With heavier string gauges, non-standard scale lengths or worn saddle slots, the original bridge's intonation range can be insufficient to achieve accurate intonation across all six strings.

The AVR2 extends this range beyond the original specification — providing sufficient saddle travel for accurate intonation with a wider range of string gauges and playing setups without requiring modification to the guitar or saddle slots.

Extra Tight Construction — Eliminating Rattles and Improving Sustain

Loose manufacturing tolerances on standard ABR-1 replacement bridges produce sympathetic buzzes and rattles — the bridge body or saddle pieces vibrating at resonant frequencies when the guitar is played. This is both audibly distracting and represents energy loss that should be transferred into the instrument body as sustain.

The AVR2's extra tight construction eliminates gaps and tolerances in the bridge body and saddle seating that produce these resonances. The result is a bridge that transfers string energy into the body without sympathetic vibration — improving sustain and producing a cleaner, more focused tonal response.

TonePros Locking System on ABR-1 Format

The TonePros locking system on the AVR2 operates through the thumbwheels rather than through the posts — appropriate for the ABR-1 format where the bridge body sits freely on the posts and height is adjusted via the thumbwheels. Set screws in the thumbwheels lock them in position once correct bridge height is established. The locked thumbwheels cannot turn, the bridge height cannot shift, and the bridge maintains consistent contact with the body across string changes and playing load. The external appearance of the locked bridge is identical to the original vintage part — the locking set screws are not visible during normal inspection.

Un-Notched Brass Saddles — Professional Installation

The AVR2's brass saddles are supplied un-notched. Professional saddle notching is required before the guitar can be correctly set up. This allows a guitar technician to cut string slots to the precise depth and width for the player's specific string gauge — producing more accurate string seating and intonation than factory pre-notched alternatives. Players who want pre-notched brass saddles ready to install should choose the AVR2P. Players who want vintage Nylon 66 tonal character should choose the AVR2G.

Who Is the TonePros AVR2-B For?

• Players with vintage or reissue Gibson Les Paul, SG, ES-335 and related instruments fitted with ABR-1 format bridges wanting a locking upgrade
• Players experiencing saddle lift, saddle displacement, rattles or limited intonation range on an original or replacement ABR-1 bridge
• Players who want un-notched brass saddles for professional custom notching to their specific string gauge
• Players who want to maintain the exact visual appearance of the original vintage bridge while adding locking performance
• Players with current production Nashville-format Gibsons should choose the TP6 range instead
• Players with chrome hardware choose AVR2-C — nickel choose AVR2-N — gold choose AVR2-G

Specifications

Expert Advice at Angkor Music

At Angkor Music Melbourne we stock all three AVR2 saddle variants across all four finishes. Confirming whether your guitar uses ABR-1 or Nashville format before ordering is essential — contact us with your guitar's make, model and year if you are unsure. Professional installation including saddle notching available through our guitar technician.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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