The actual kit that went around the world in the World in Six Strings footage. Sixteen months, twelve locations, about $900 all in.
We guitar players are a demanding bunch—and I'm no different. Now, I love gadgets and gear innovations as much as the next frethead, but some products furrow my brow as I noise (not so under my breath), "Really?!"
I had read about the EverTune Bridge System and had not thought much about it. And my initial reaction was contempt before the investigation. But what if it accomplishes what it promises?
EverTune promises to keep my guitar in tune under any conditions.
It sounds like a Ralph Kramden get-rich-quick scheme. Boomers and Gen-Xers should get my reference. But this is why I love my job. I'm still skeptical, yet I look forward to investigating the claim. Also, this article played out differently than most and has some unique events.
I'm still in "Really?!" mode. If there's a guitar player on the planet that doesn't experience tuning issues, please introduce them to me. We all have our tuning horror stories and will offer our picking-hand little finger to the Tuning Gods for a solution.
I can safely say, "hang on to your picking-hand little finger and let's learn more about the EverTune Bridge System."
Between locking tuners, auto-tune, robot tuners, hex keys, and string-angle relief doo-dads, I've seen enough tuning-solution gadgets to make me want to play drums. Wait… You have to tune those, too.
But, when EverTune says that their bridge can keep my guitar in tune under any conditions. I'm all ears.
I watched Matt demonstrate typical playing techniques that cause tuning issues, e.g., upper register chord playing, over-the-top bending antics, heavy-handed picking attacks on low notes, etc. And the guitar strings snapped back to pitch.
But before you start outfitting every guitar in your arsenal with an EverTune Bridge, there are some considerations to remember. Like the price (it's not your typical bridge price), routing your guitar (you'll lose wood but gain mass), and the learning curve (your guitar will feel differently). We'll discuss more on this in the Pros and Cons section.
Does it work? You're damn skippy; it does.
Matt proudly states that the EverTune Bridge System "was the most revolutionary product I reviewed in 15 years at [Guitar Player] magazine." And after this interview, I have to agree, and my brow is no longer furrowed.
It's a bridge replacement system. It's a mechanical device of springs and levels attached to an individual saddle for each string. Each string is calibrated at 3 different locations for string height (action holes), intonation (intonation holes), and string length/tension (tuning hole) using a 2.5mm hex key. More on this in the "How It Works" section.
The magic is in the saddles. Once the saddles are adjusted and set to the proper tension, your guitar stays in tune. But it's not really magic; it's pure physics.
And, on the EverTune site, it claims that it stays in tune forever. Although I can't imagine not changing strings for that long.
Let's consider two scenarios, live performance and in the studio.
These weather scenarios can make even the most seasoned player a little unsettled. And those who have experienced these gigs cringe as we hear the guitar's tuning start to shift mid-song.
Add to these situations fumbling through charts as a sideman or addressing the audience while dealing with tuning issues. Not fun.
Tuning stability in any conditions, the EverTune is impervious to changes in temperature and humidity. Imagine the confidence to worry only about your performance in stage and studio settings. You can fully commit to the part and not worry about bending your guitar out of tune or fret- and pick-hand pressure. This is a game-changer.
As I said above, the bridge replacement system comprises springs and levers that attach to an individual saddle for each string. Each string is then calibrated at 3 different locations.
The EverTune site does a great job of walking you through the process. Here's their Quick Start Guide with video demonstrations, and I encourage you to check out their site for more info. It's a simple 5-step method:
Unless you're experienced with bridge installations and a very handy repair person, purchase a guitar with the EverTune system.
But, if you want to try installing the bridge yourself, you can go to the For Installers page on their site. The resources are complete with videos, diagrams, step-by-step instructions, etc. Also, there’s an Installer’s Directory or you can Become an Installer.
For the rest of us, we can choose a guitar and buy the bridge and use the EverTune Installation Program. EverTune also offers a Buying Guide that covers everything from bridge buying, guitar buying, bridge specs, string tension calculator, and much more.
I'm not a handy repair person; anything more complicated than basic setup and maintenance for my guitar goes to my tech. Fortunately, EverTune has an installation program that offers two service options: standard and custom.
Upgrade Your Current Guitar: you choose a guitar you'd like to modify with the EverTune Bridge System and send it to them. Their techs install the guitar based on certain specifications that you provide—more on this below in the "How the Installation Program Works" section.
Purchase a New Guitar: you can purchase a new guitar through EverTune and have it shipped to their headquarters. The bridge system is then installed by their techs.
This is a specialty product, and I prefer the minor inconvenience of using one of the above installation services. But, if I had a tech I trusted with something of this nature, I may purchase the bridge separately and oversee the installation process.
The dream of not dealing with tuning issues is a huge pro and enough to stop there. But let's go through it.
For many, the cons may be a dealbreaker. And for others, a minor inconvenience. If you're still on the fence, ask yourself these questions.
I asked myself these three questions repeatedly as I reflected on my conversation with Matt. And I answered yes to all three. So, I sent in a Custom Install request. I just sent it, so stay tuned for a follow-up to this piece, where I document my experience. More on this is in my "Final Word" below.
Answer: No. But as Matt said, “Not yet.” The inventor did say that he could do it.
Answer: My short answer is yes. Only some guitar repair people have seen and had experience with this innovative mechanical device. With something as delicate as tuning, I'd leave it to a professional.
Answer: Yes, they do. There are two service options:
• Standard: You choose an instrument and send it to them. Their techs install the system and return the guitar to you.
• Custom: You can purchase a guitar through EverTune. The music retailer sends the guitar to EverTune; they install the bridge and return it to you.
Answer: No. Once installed, you can set it and forget it. The hardware is susceptible to user error and/or accidents, e.g., overturning the screw and damaging the saddle. The saddle can be replaced. And all of this is documented on their Resource & Support page.
Answer: No. It will work on most S-Style, T-Style, and L-Style guitars, including most 7- and 8-string models. It won't work on ES-330 semi-hollow body models. Also, chambered L-Style guitars should be closely scrutinized before committing to the bridge system. Please refer to their Bridge Buying Guide for further details.
Answer: Yes, you can. But, the string tension will need to be recalibrated. Select a guitar that will use the same string gauge and tuning to install the EverTune.
Answer: If you are a professional musician in any capacity, the EverTune is a must-have tool for a guitarist, and only on one guitar. The bridge is not only wholly mechanical but also maintains your guitar exactly in tune in any circumstance.
Answer: Yes. You're losing a portion of wood but gaining more mass, so your guitar's natural tone will be affected. However, an in-tune guitar sounds better, period.
Answer: A "floating" saddle mechanism is used on the EverTune. Each saddle is contained in its own module, allowing it to self-adjust on a thin layer of saddle grease. The guitar string tension pushes the saddle one way. In contrast, a spring within the module pulls the saddle back in the opposite direction at the same tension.
Answer: It works great; the only minor flaws are that the guitar feels it has been altered, and the first setup could be more manageable. Otherwise, it's one of the most significant advancements in guitar technology ever.
As I said in the introduction, we guitar players are a demanding bunch, and accepting anything new and different takes time to consider, let alone accept. I’ve also spoken to local players and guitar techs about the EverTune Bridge System and there are four camps.
My experience researching and speaking to Matt Blackett has convinced me that EverTune is not only worth considering but a must-have (at least on one guitar) for any serious player, so currently I’m one the curious. But, I've taken the first step. I selected an Epiphone Les Paul Modern and submitted my installation request through the EverTune website. I'll be back with a follow-up article outlining my experience.
Thanks for reading.
The actual kit that went around the world in the World in Six Strings footage. Sixteen months, twelve locations, about $900 all in.
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