The Stetsbar tremolo system, developed by Eric Stets in the late 1980s and patented in 1995, offers a retrofit vibrato solution for electric guitars, particularly those with fixed tailpieces like the Gibson Les Paul. Designed to provide a stable vibrato mechanism without necessitating permanent modifications to the instrument, the Stetsbar allows guitarists to achieve pitch variations akin to those produced by traditional whammy bars.
Patent Overview
The Stetsbar’s innovative design is detailed in U.S. Patent No. 5,392,680, titled “Tremolo Device for Stringed Instruments.” This patent outlines a linear tremolo system where both the bridge and string anchor move in unison, minimizing friction and enhancing tuning stability. The mechanism employs micro roller bearings and heavy-duty springs to facilitate smooth pitch modulation, enabling musicians to execute both subtle vibrato effects and more pronounced pitch shifts.
Popular Products
Stetsbar offers several models tailored to different guitar types:
Stop-tail Model: Designed for guitars with fixed tailpieces, such as the Gibson Les Paul, this model attaches without requiring new holes or routing, preserving the instrument’s original condition.
T-Style Model: Crafted for Telecaster-style guitars, this version accommodates the unique bridge and pickup configuration of T-style instruments, providing a seamless integration of the tremolo system.
S-Style Model: Intended for Stratocaster-style guitars, this model offers an alternative to traditional synchronized tremolo systems, delivering enhanced tuning stability and a broader range of pitch modulation.
Consumer Reviews
Overall, the Stetsbar tremolo system has received positive feedback from the guitar community:
Ease of Installation: Users appreciate the non-invasive installation process, which requires no permanent modifications to the guitar.
Performance: The system is praised for its smooth action and reliable tuning stability, allowing for expressive vibrato and whammy bar techniques without compromising the instrument’s intonation.
Versatility: Musicians value the Stetsbar’s adaptability across various guitar models, enabling them to retrofit a tremolo system onto instruments traditionally not equipped with one.
For more information on their products and innovations, visit the Stetsbar official website.
