By now you have probably heard of a phenomenon engulfing the hardware guitar market, by the name of TonePros. These are the new Locking Bridges & Studs on the market, that are just simply revolutionary. Introduced as after market upgrades, the TonePros family of Tune-O-Matic, studs and stop bars are also now available as standard equipment on some of the most highly respected guitar manufacturers as well. Companies such as David Thomas McNaught Guitars, Terry McInturff Guitars, Gene Baker Guitars, Fender, ESP, Brian Moore just to name a few, are issuing TonePros as standard equipment, not just an option.

This month's product review I wanted to "see" or should I say "hear" what all the hype is about. So my friend Dwight Devereaux at TonePros was kind enough to send me a pair of replacement studs for my PRS Single Cut for me to check out. Thanks Dwight... You DA MAN!

First Look:
Just a bit of skepticism entered into my mind set because in my opinion I felt that PRS factory hardware is really pretty good stuff for standard equipment. But curiosity killed the cat, or should I say the tone, and I had to give this a whirl, after all I could always simply replace the TonePros studs with the original PRS studs if need be. Obviously I was curious for many of my great friends and customers such as Dave McNaught, Terry McInturff and Ed Roman really raved about it. So I venture into the install. I'm always a bit apprehensive of my mods, obviously to such a cosmetically beautiful instrument as my new PRS Single Cut. This one has a great black charcoal flamed top and I certainly would not attempt anything serious if I thought the top could be scratched or marred.

Install:
What I found was set up was no big deal. Took about 15 minutes. The TonePros studs have removable tops, so no drilling or major wrenching is involved. On the bottom of the studs has a squared off flange that your PRS wrap around style bridge on. TonePros includes small plastic wrenches that easily fit into the squared off slots on the studs. I first measured the height of the bridge, removed the strings and carefully remove the PRS bridge. I was then able to remove the original studs actually by hand, line up the new ones and drop them in and hand tighten them down, there is actually a shaft that screws on the inside of the new studs. I then restrung (I needed strings anyway!) tune up, check the intonation, then tighten the screw tops with the TonePros plastic wrenches. NUFF DONE...

The Difference:
I shit you not, immediately upon tuning up again and strumming a G major chord, the difference hit me like a freight train! The single cut rings out with confidence, at least a 25% increase. Sweet! Sustain? Vastly improved. I do understand after installing this system myself how this is achieved. Although the original PRS studs were not sloppy by any means, but did not seem to clamp down as tight. These TonePros studs solidify the bridge rock solid, creating more contact and thus increasing sustain dramatically. With the original PRS studs the tension of the strings is what provides the leverage to hold the bridge on, now your bridge will never fall off your PRS and risk damaging the gorgeous top you've invested in... DUDE, BONUS!

Plug It In:
Short and simple. Plugged in is just more of the same. More tone, more sustain, chords ring louder then before. Single notes and picking techniques seem clearer and more distinguishable then before. Kick it into higher gain settings and solos chime and sing like never before. Greatly improved sustain is by far the most significant improvement that I notice. And hello! Who's not looking for more sustain? At $44.95 retail price for chrome or nickel and $49.95 for gold, this is an inexpensive upgrade to literally pull thousands of dollars of more tone from your PRS. Recommend it? Absafrickinlutely! The sooner the better. Great product TonePros.

INFORMATION:
Manufacturer
TonePros Sound Labs
1449 E "F" St.
Ste. 101E #205
Oakdale, CA 95361
www.tonepros.com

Exclusive Distributor
WD Music Products
4070 Mayflower Rd.
Fort Myers, FL 33916
800-449-9348
www.wdmusicproducts.com