So, the Faber ABR arrived today. Initial impressions...
- Very well made albeit not 100% vintage accurate.
- Not as bright (see below) and a little more mid-ish than the Pigtail.
- Very balanced tonally. The biggest difference being the neck pickup now sounds clearer, and all three positions have better definition between them.
I have one more Patent Number ABR with original posts and thumbwheels coming as well as another current reproduction that I was asked to try by the manufacturer but as of today, the Faber is the best match for my R9 and the current pickups (Duncan Shop Floor Custom 59's which are unpotted).
I also need to correct something I stated earlier. In order to do what I considered to be a fair test; I used factory saddles when testing the Patent Number and Pigtail bridges. Today, I tested the Pigtail with the saddles it came with, and it is damn near 1:1 with the Patent Number I had previously stated it was darker sounding), the factory Gibson saddles seemed to have held it back. Without hesitation I will say that the Pigtail is the best bet for an accurate reproduction of a vintage ABR, both aesthetically and tonally. I suspect if I put the CustomBuckers or Holmes back in my R9 the Pigtail would really shine, I'm just not ready to go down the "matching bridges to pickups" rabbit hole... yet.
I'll report back on the incoming Patent Number bridge when it gets here but I'm anticipating the same results as the vintage ones have been very consistent. I'll also review the other inbound current production one when it arrives.
Stay tuned!
Illegitimi non Carborundum
Scott @ BMF Effects