Does Your Bridge Even Matter??Upgrading stock bridge Ibanez RG 7321

[@TaylorDanley]

Thanks for dropping by! What do you guys want to see with this 7 string? 👀 LMK!👇

[@julianaraneta5416]

technical death metal stuff

[@diegoignacio4923]

Great video!! those DI's sounds like furious tubas...

[@KillaFXZ]

Locking tuners, mine as well do it! 😜

[@luccaf.marostegan9989]

some Nevermore would be great... maybe you could play some riffs with the zombie II and eq

[@TaylorDanley]

@@luccaf.marostegan9989 I love Nevermore!

[@johnschober4008]

It may not sustain longer but upgrading a guitar isn't always about the tone, if it looks better and is more comfortable, you'll pick it up and play it more often. And I am a scientist :)

[@GearGasms]

It’s always hard to judge the difference when doing it but it always shows up in editing

[@TaylorDanley]

Yeah, it helps that I'm actually sitting in the correct listening position for my monitors when editing as well 😂

[@IndependenceGuitar]

I have a js22-7 that I upgraded everything on. I really love the hipshot bridge, you’re right, way more comfortable to rest on. It actually made the tone slightly brighter, and it made the resonance way better. It’s not just woowoononsense. It also helped the sustain in mine, not by a huge amount, but a couple seconds. I wish I had documented it.The stock bridge was just fine, but the biggest thing is how much more comfy the hipshot is, and not scraping your hand when palm muting. All the tonal stuff was too subtle to make a huge difference, but it was there, definitely not just in your head. Also, the differences become more pronounced through a real amp vs a sim.

[@chasterling237]

What kind of pickups you put in it? Did you get the version with the dog ear style pickups or soap bar pickups?

[@IndependenceGuitar]

@@chasterling237 i actually got a set of Seymour Duncan pegasus/sentient pickups. So regular style, just 7 string version.

[@roccanto86]

Hi! did you get the hipshot ibby or the regular hipshot?

[@IndependenceGuitar]

@@roccanto86I’m not exactly sure what an ibby hipshot is. I just googled it, they look pretty cool. Looks like they’re specifically meant for ibanez? That’s the first time I’ve seen one. I actually got the regular 41075G-7 (gold 7 string hipshot). It was a drop in for the older js22/js32 when they still used the bridges with sidewalls.

[@reeshavhati]

I recently purchased my first 7 string guitar. It’s the Schecter Banshee Extreme 7 and I’m in love with it❤️

[@BigMetalDaddy1301]

It's a great guitar, i wish you lots of fun with it!

[@Bking7string]

Nice choice! I'm a Schecter guy myself, KM7 mkiii, and C7 sls elite, stiletto studio 5.

[@anttigeier5429]

Have the same one, great choice ✌🏻

[@TheRetronator]

OG RG7321 repesent! This guitar was my first 7 string :) There's something about em' thats cool, especially the well made 5 piece neck that they had back then.

[@TaylorDanley]

Yes! The neck was 100% the selling point lol!

[@thescottallen]

I felt like the hipshot removed a lot of those 3-5k overtones that the stock bridge had. It sounded brighter but less harsh. I might have to look at upgrading the bridge on my Ibanez 7!

[@blairz28]

i have the same gyutar with an emg 81-7 and i put in a graphtech tusq nut and the ibby 7 gibraltar replacement which i had to drill but so worth it. i have to turn down the higs a bit. but the crunch and clarity is next level

[@blairz28]

just to clarify i went from the standard flat bridge to the ibby7 and its way more noticable thane the direct fit option

[@coreyrramsay8858]

I think you need a part 3 where you change the tuners for some sort of locking tuners. Makes string changes heaps quicker.

[@TaylorDanley]

You might be right! You know how I like to be efficient!!

[@belligerentamateur]

WOOWOO Nonsense = Tonal Heaven

[@TaylorDanley]

You can't underestimate the placebo effect!

[@MeSimpsonMe]

Cool video and stuff! What is the model of hipshot bridge? I have a rg7621 an old one model, and I don’t like this Ibanez bridge at all, want to change on something new)

[@pontakun7852]

Hello, I want to upgrade my Ibanez RG 7321 and I would like to know the name of the model you put on that Ibanez. thank you very much in advance.

[@illumindonnie]

Got an affiliate link to the bridge or a link in general? Just got my 7321 and I have the earlier version of the guitar which is not the Gibraltar

[@9th_note]

I did this upgrade to my prestige just to drop a little bit of weight. I swapped out the bridge, control knobs for aluminum ones, along with hipshot open gear, tuning machines, and aluminum tuner buttons. I perceived more vibration with the bridge change as well, but definitely zero tonal or sustain difference. this may just be a placebo, but if there was a tonal difference, it would be that some of the high-end is gone, which is actually a good thing but as you put it, that could just be my head playing tricks on me. I definitely do appreciate the upgrade in appearance though and the bridge is much more comfortable to play on. The original bridge that came on my prestige was also not bad though so it got moved over to a cheaper guitar so basically I upgraded two instruments at once. honestly, the most notable differences in these upgrades was the heavy knurl on the control knobs and tuner buttons, which helps a lot when you’re sweating and the Bridge being more comfortable. The appearance is an added bonus and anything tonal is so minuscule it could be changed with an equalizer. Great video, brother.

[@merqury5]

This vidja was perfect, it finally convinced me there is keine reason to exchange to a hipshit bridge. The look cooler, but the added value/cost just doesn't justify the price. That they're lighter was a disappointment for sure. Kind of kills the added mass thing.

[@pianissisimo]

i had the problem you mention in 5:30, changing the screws for shorter new ones solved the problem.

[@MatteoKysely]

okay I fell in love with the Fishman DI after watching this, what the heck, it's so clear.

[@cassalinson]

Is it possible to upgrade saddles only? If yes, what's the best pick?

[@Ronny1031]

Not having allen screws scratch up the heel of your hand is reason enough to upgrade from the stock bridge, and I assure you, that is not "woo woo nonsense"

[@TaylorDanley]

😂

[@MrCalicious]

TBH simply filing the screws to sit flush gives the exact same functional result for free. Really it comes down to your desired aesthetics and budget. My used RG7421 with used Fishman Fluence Moderns and filed bridge screws cost me a whopping total of $394. I don't think I could ever find better playing, sounding, and feeling guitar for that amount, but I had to put some effort into getting it up to this level at such a low budget.

[@davessparetime83]

you can get shorter allen screws for that stock bridge

[@jeancelesta2785]

This. Or just replace the saddles

[@Vayth]

Or just take a dremel and cut them to an appropriate length.

[@terrystyles4316]

Tell that to Ibanez bro.

[@KOKTAMISPRIME]

I went with a emg 707, and a 60-h metalworks designs, with a hipshot bridge. Only cost me $200 for the upgrades. Gotta love reverb. And the 7321 almost thought about taking the old IBZ bridge and putting it on my Grg 7

[@apoplexiamusic]

Noice! What’s the intonation like in drop G for the big string?

[@wollace3125]

So the hipshot was a drop-in replacement? No filling/screwing holes? sorry if that was answered already

[@TaylorDanley]

Correct, no drilling or any nonsense.

[@wollace3125]

@@TaylorDanley wow that’s awesome, thanks and great video!

[@1littlepunk]

I bought an Ibanez RG7321 recently that came with a dimarzio liquifire in the neck and a kiesel lithium in the bridge and it chugs! I was looking for a new bridge to upgrade stock as the og has screws that want to cut my fingers off so I'm glad ya posted this and I'm looking to get the hipshot one!

[@evangeorge4507]

I do enjoy bringing a mid level axe up to its full potential. I usually end up replacing everything but the body and neck, it’s a lot but the difference is undeniable.

[@1HYB]

Currently on Sweetwater, the only Ibanez 7 string that retail from $750 - $1000 are a beveled body RG with "deep seafloor fade flat" finish at $899 and the RG7 Iron Label for $999. Also, those two guitars aren't even in stock right now on Sweetwater. So if you can find an RG7421 or RG7321 used for $400-$600 you probably would be better off financially. You might not get the money back out if you choose to sell, but you'll probably make out better if you do it this way.

[@preston2636]

The rg7421 is just better outright. I had one and loooooved it. Its like having a prestige for budget price.

[@bruno_gatti]

Just bought RG7321 with the original hardcase for $350

[@LTDusersince99]

you can ear the difference at the end on clean setting.. every upgrades makes it more resonant guitar. its like cheap part absorb harmonics and upgrading help them resonate more

[@thatguyreiji1045]

I'm actually really enjoying this series...Im actually looking to buy a more expensive guitar looking to get the 10s custom builds (guitars are expensive when buying from Namibia)...But I still have my first LP style guitar...I dont wanna trash it, so Im actually looking to this series for answers. 👍🏾

[@thatguyreiji1045]

Dude I've literally been thinking about this on an LP style guitar I have...This video will be informative...👍🏾👍🏾

[@TaylorDanley]

I also have a hipshot bridge on my tele. Much better than the stock fender bridge, so IME hipshot is 2/2

[@TaylorDanley]

@@d.l.sstudio8922 YES!

[@RecruitmentCompanyIndonesia]

i have Gio GRG121DX, used one. came with nasty and stain. I clean it up and repaint all the hardware, CHANGE its screw on the saddle with the shorter one. Comfortable already, but the fret need to be refreted. i've plan to refret with Jescar stainless jumbo one. i'm sure the playbility more nice after refretted. Nice video BTW

[@jaimemonroyofficial]

Clearer sound with HipShot. Mids shows up nicely. Highs mix better with mids. I'm doing same upgrade in my ibanez guitar.

[@kawwee750]

Sounds brighter to me with the Hipshot (even through KZbin compression). I have a $400 RGA42FM that I kind of balked at spending ~US $150 for a whole new bridge. Hipshot also sells individual saddles for about $7 each that I bought and installed (measure carefully) - got the "no screws" feel and paired with a Graphtech nut installed a while ago, really rings! I think the difference in finish between the original (some kind of paint?) and Hipshot saddles makes for at least a part of this difference.

[@scramblesthedeathdealer]

I love upgrading/customizing Ibanez RGs. I even built a Frankenstein RG out of parts (totally different neck and body, but they fit together 👍). Sounds like you got your RG all tricked out and to your liking, awesome!

[@SimonMedia666]

If you like the guitar very much, and this bridge makes it more comfortable to play then it is worth it :)

[@TaylorDanley]

💯

[@eddiem4868]

Yeah that stock bridge hurts my hands too haha feel like sand paper

[@Hexspa]

Can you please do a clean/breakup vid but volume-matched and with the same riffs? You probably don't want to put the old bridge back on but I have that same guitar. In the bridge, I put a DiMarzio Crunch Lab or D Sonic (forgot) and the neck got a D Activator (probably). I also replaced the tuners but that probably wasn't necessary.

[@kalindunn6034]

I have the same guitar with a set of SD Nazgul/Sentient's in it. But I agree that the bridge is super uncomfortable on the right hand. I take it the Hipshot bridge you installed was the Flat Plate version ? From what I've read, it's a direct replacement for the 7321 that doesn't have the Gibraltar series of bridges.

[@Matt_kishere]

Dude you've come a longgggg way in the past year as far as your content and production goes! That demo at the end was straight 🔥🤘🏻

[@retodd13]

I can tell you from experience that going from a Jackson FR to all Fu-Tone makes a cheap RR into something totally different.

[@dayronblocke4277]

Why wouldn't you get the Hipshot HM?

[@TaylorDanley]

The Ibby 7 that I bought was a direct replacement, so no drilling required.

[@youngmike8645]

hey Danny, I'm struggling ti find the same model hipshot bridge as the one you have in this video. I have an Indo made 7321 identical to yours. any chance you could provide me with the exact model and height weather it is .125 or .175. If you could get back to me it would be greatly appreciated. I watched the video 5-10 times and I'm certain that you don't answer the two questions I posed. thank you in advance brother.

[@RX120D]

Could have saved a nice chunk of change by just taking those extra long saddle screws to the belt sander and sanding them down to a better size. Did that with my 7321 and worked like a charm. The only time you'd need to replace the bridge on this is if the saddle slots are damaged beyond repair or somehow you've stripped the intonation or action screws. Cool video anyway though.

[@nickboxer7147]

I'm in a similar dilemma but with an Edge III locking trem on a cheap 6 string RG.

[@LightCyrus]

I just blocked mine off with pennies wrapped in tape. No whammy but it holds tuning just fine now.

[@blairz28]

please put in a graphtech tusq nut. i did with the hipshot bridge and its game changing

[@arvindpuryag8515]

Hello My rg 7321 has a Gibraltar bridge U think it’s different from hipshot

[@andrewnotion]

Awesome! Now I really need this upgrade too.

[@davidlara105]

What's the exact model? I'd like to replace mine.

[@0Orion]

Stainless steel is the reason hipshot sounds better. IIRC. Hipshot may have a lighter weight because the base is brass but, the saddles should be heavier because they are stainless steel.

[@tobins6800]

Small changes like that might influence the way you play, leading to tonal differences.

[@offizielle_twytch6862]

I wonder if I could change an Ibanez Fixed Bridge for a Gibraltar Plus? on a Ibanez RGEW521FM (2018) Model.

[@EyesOpen369]

Taylor: Kitchen scale ⚖️ Me: thats a drug scale man 😂

[@RichLunaMusic]

Gotta admit, the clean sound was pretty hilarious. That's a good bridge though.

[@sergeantdeath]

Make these kinds of videos a series."Is It Worth Upgrading 'insert think for upgrade'?"...That would be cool and fun to watch

[@NShomebase]

I would think the more important things to consider for the bridge would be tuning stability and ease of adjustment rather than tone.

[@kuzWich]

Was really hoping to see the sleek ibby 7 version of hipshot in pt2. But if it fits better and drives you with more enthusiasm the way it is I guess it's irrelevant

[@TaylorDanley]

That is the ibby 7 bridge!

[@kuzWich]

@@TaylorDanley , correction. I meant the HM model 🙂

[@beautague9163]

Hipshot ibby bridge is so much nicer than the stock Ibanez Gibraltar on the more expensive guitars so I'm sure this is easily a worthy upgrade for a budget model. Same thing with pickups, honestly I don't want to have to add an eq pedal because one of my guitars has sub par pickups, if I'm going to play it I need to be able to plug in and have a good sound no matter the guitar.

[@d77sauce]

What’s the beef with the Gibraltar? I’m about to buy an Ibanez that has one

[@GriMMFLY]

@@d77sauce Many people find it uncomfortable to play on it, i think that's it and it comes down to personal preference

[@DarrenPoore]

Hipshot bridge has brass plate and all stainless steel saddles and screws. Should create a big difference in tone

[@stephanpetersen8386]

Thx for an interesting video. I've got an Ibanez with a monorail bridge and would like to change it with a hipshot-style bridge but I've got no clue whether or not it will fit the holes from the monorail bridge. Do you have an advice? Kind regards

[@chadking464]

That tone is savage

[@torcher78]

Taylor can you post a link for the bridge

[@jimrooney6269]

Does anyone have a link for this bridge? Take the guess work out for me

[@dimebagtribute]

Those screws that adjust the action of your strings HAVE TO BE ADJUST as soon as you found the right setting for your way of playing!!! You have to cut the too long ones, using a dremmel for example, and you will end with the exact same feeling the Hipshot give you...

[@Suicynic]

Too long what?

[@dimebagtribute]

@@Suicynic If you read correctly you will understand I was talking about action screws on the bridge...

[@SusNoodle]

taylor, gte out of my browsing history. thats the only way you could have known i was considering upgrading my bridge. lol kidding keep em coming bud

[@TaylorDanley]

sry, leaving now... 😂

[@anthonywallace1676]

that guitar sounds crispy as fuck nice worth the upgrade

[@brutalpcbuilds3246]

noticeable tone change from stock pickups to fishmans. the hipshot bridge has a perceived louder sound but same tonality

[@dresdensinn6669]

Didn't really hear any differences in the mix but soloed and DI'd the hipshot + Fishman sounded better imo

[@KPGuitarStudios]

Guitar seems to be a lot nicer to play at this point, that's the main thing man. No Woo woo nonsense going on here anymore with cheap Ibanez parts :P

[@jeremyzuern5540]

Might as well make the trifecta video and swap to a graph tech nut and locking tuners!

[@dainiuszukauskas3053]

That is your low bottom string gauge? Where you playing in DropA?

[@TaylorDanley]

Drop A. .60

[@JP-lz4fp]

Tone and sustain are both subjective....what about the tuning stability?

[@thedanksavatron7782]

Nissssssssssssssssssce 🍻 🧬🔬⚗️" For Science!"🧪🧫⚡

[@KillaFXZ]

Multi purposing your weed scale Taylor ? J/k

[@TaylorDanley]

I knew someone would bring it up lol. When you're domesticated, you actually have these things around for their intended purpose 😂

[@SlinkyT82]

Really surprised by those stock pickups, they sound killer. In this instance from the clips I'd probably just upgrade the bridge as it adds a nice fullness to the sound. Moreso than the pickup swap imo. Cool vid, cheers!

[@EddyDarkNightmare]

I noticed a big difference in the chugs, because of the screws lol

[@wingsoficarus1139]

Honestly this kind of argument can really be comparable to cars and such. Would you rather spend 40,000 outright for a Nissan 400z or spend that same amount on an old Mitsubishi eclipse that you bough for 4000 dollars on Facebook marketplace? Honestly theres just something about modding the shit out of your first guitar or something but I fell like it can be really easy to end up spending over 500 dollars on it. Good Fishmans are 250+, some good grover tuners are like 70, new bridge is like 50, etc. I'm gonna still do it eventually but I'm gonna need to get a job first.

[@budeemarkheylmun3585]

this sounds fuckin hell .. very nice 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@ChilledVid]

I don't know, i'm not professional either, but it feels like lower frequencies came little bit in front. maybe it's my brain playing tricks.

[@riffsnoleads]

I couldn't perceive any difference that was blatant. Subtle tinges here and there but sometimes making an instrument feel better is what is needed. As someone else said before me, you could have just replaced the set screws in the saddles or the saddles themselves, which may have yielded the same feel and tonal differences. I'm just glad this hasn't turned into a "tonewood" debate.

[@TaylorDanley]

Well, speaking of tonewood.... Just kidding. I don't think tone wood matters as much with active pickups, at least in my experience.

[@riffsnoleads]

@@TaylorDanley I have not noticed a difference with passives either. I have a guitar made of plywood but I doubt anyone could tell if they heard it side by side with a different guitar made from a hardwood.

[@bbeenn]

Yeah, the "kitchen" scale ;)

[@clcare5563]

I just got this exact model for $120. It has a chuck taken out of it so I’m going to fix it and paint it. It has the same Ibanez bridge and made in Indonesia. I’m thinking I’m going to pick up one of these bridges. I’ll probably leave the pickups for now until it’s all back together and I play it.

[@TheDemethar]

why? they are literally the same.

[@toemasmeems]

“Kitchen scale” 😏😏

[@skotthall4090]

Actual content starts at 2:06

[@justinschuppner]

Kitchen scale🤣🤣

[@bluntforc3studios198]

Tasty riffs man