Understanding the different types of electric guitar bridges is essential if you're considering replacing the one you currently have on your guitar.
In very basic terms, there are fixed bridges and tremolo bridges, each of which has various subtypes.
Fixed Bridge
Wraparound Bridge
The wraparound bridge was invented by Gibson in 1953. It’s a single bar with dedicated string slots, basically exactly the same as a standard stop tailpiece. The only adjustable part is string height, although some more modern designs have crude wedges built into the top of the bridge for slightly more accurate intonation. Even though it is an old low-tech bridge design, some brands, such as PRS and Gibson continue to use it to this day.
Tune-o-Matic
Another Gibson invention, this bridge came out in 1953 as a result of the evolution of the wraparound bridge and has been used on Les Paul guitars ever since. For starters, you can adjust the intonation on each string. Unlike the wraparound, the Tune-o-Matic allows you to adjust not only the height of the bridge but also the intonation on each string. Plus, the addition of a stop tailpiece forms a greater string angle therefore enhancing the sustain produced by the guitar.
Hardtail
These are often seen on Telecasters as well as on some Stratocasters. They usually consist of six individual saddles, one for each string, but a three-saddle setup is commonly found on vintage classic Telecasters. Each saddle allows precise adjustment of the height and intonation for each string.
Tremolo System
Floating Tremolo
This is the type of bridge found on most Fender Stratocasters, and is also called a ‘synchronized tremolo’ by Fender. It consists of springs that are attached at the base of the bridge to the wood in the inner cavity. These hold the bridge in place and allow for its movement. It has a similar layout to hardtail bridges; and offers the same flexibility for adjusting the intonation and the action.
Locking Tremolo
Floyd Rose invented what is still the most popular type of locking tremolo in 1976 (although it wasn't patented until 1979). The designperfectly balances the string tension, bridge, and springs. This allows you to dramatically loosen the strings, but when you release the tremolo arm, the strings will return to perfect pitch, giving guitarists access to sounds that had never been possible on a guitar before, such as divebombs, etc
Roller Tremolo
The roller tremolo is most commonly known by the name of the brand that popularised it, Bigsby. The strings are attached to a stop bar that’s moved by a spring-loaded tremolo arm back and forth over your bridge, thus resulting in the vibrato effect.
