Graph Tech is a Canadian company founded in 1983 by Dave Dunwoodie, headquartered in Delta, British Columbia. The company’s focus has been on innovation in guitar hardware, especially their proprietary synthetic materials, which have been instrumental in the improvement of guitar tone and tuning stability. Graph Tech is best known for its high-quality nuts, saddles, and other guitar parts that reduce friction and improve tuning stability, but they’ve also delved into tremolo, whammy bar, and vibrato bar systems with their range of innovative products.
History and Key People
Dave Dunwoodie started the company with a mission to solve tuning issues in guitars, particularly when using a whammy bar. He created the first self-lubricating guitar nut, which became Graph Tech’s signature product. Dunwoodie remains an important figure in the company, continuing to drive innovation. Graph Tech’s commitment to research and design has made them a respected name in the guitar industry globally.
Graph Tech offers a wide array of products beyond the standard guitar components, including tremolo, whammy bar, and vibrato bar systems. Their Ghost modular pickup system, for example, integrates a tremolo with piezo elements, enabling players to blend acoustic and electric tones seamlessly. The String Saver Saddles are another popular product, which is designed to prevent string breakage and improve sustain.
Their ResoMax bridges also stand out in the market for their ability to increase harmonic content and sustain, while reducing friction during tremolo and vibrato bar use. These innovations allow players to use their whammy bar and vibrato bar more aggressively without compromising tuning stability.
Popular Products
- TUSQ Nut and Saddles: Known for their superior tone and durability, TUSQ nuts and saddles are made from a synthetic material that mimics the properties of ivory and bone, offering enhanced sustain and clarity.
- Graph Tech Ratio Tuners: These innovative tuners are designed to provide precise tuning adjustments with each turn, improving tuning stability and accuracy.
- Graph Tech String Saver Saddles: Made from a unique composite material, these saddles reduce string friction and increase sustain, while also enhancing the overall tone of your guitar.
- TUSQ XL Bridge Pins: These pins are designed to enhance the sound of your acoustic guitar by providing better resonance, sustain, and tonal balance.
- Resonance Series Pickups: These pickups are engineered to provide a clear, natural tone with excellent dynamic response, making them a popular choice for both electric and acoustic guitarists.
- Ghost Acousti-phonic Preamp System: An advanced piezo pickup system for electric guitars, this system allows players to blend acoustic and electric tones, offering versatility in both live and studio settings.
- Black TUSQ XL Nut: Ideal for guitars with high-performance needs, the Black TUSQ XL nut is designed to increase tuning stability and reduce string friction for smoother playability.
- String Saver Original Saddles: Designed for vintage-style setups, these saddles help reduce string breakage while enhancing tone and sustain.
- Graph Tech Ghost Loaded Pickguard: A complete system for electric guitars, this pickguard includes Graph Tech’s Ghost Piezo pickups, providing both electric and acoustic sounds in one system.
These products are beloved by musicians for their ability to enhance tone, improve playability, and increase the longevity of guitar hardware.
Consumer Reviews
Graph Tech’s products receive consistently positive reviews. Many consumers praise their tremolo systems for their smooth operation, noting how much more stable their guitar tuning becomes with Graph Tech components. Players also appreciate the tonal benefits, as the materials used help to improve sustain and resonance. The innovative designs, like the Ghost system, have also garnered attention for their versatility, allowing guitarists to access new soundscapes.
Graph Tech’s products are available through a wide network of dealers and retailers worldwide. For more information, you can visit their official website here.
By integrating modern technology and advanced materials, Graph Tech has become a key player in the development of high-quality tremolo, whammy bar, and vibrato bar systems that meet the needs of today’s guitarists, offering both functionality and enhanced tonal performance.
Graph Tech has launched an official YouTube channel to provide video tutorials and expert walkthroughs of their most important hardware components.
👉 Graph Tech YouTube Channel