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Evertune G Model Gibson Bridge (Chrome)

 

EverTune is a simple concept that keeps a string in tune until it wants to be changed. It is a very exciting development in stringed instrument technology. It is a passive, all mechanical system based on trigonometry and some rudimentary physics. Hence it is a new technology that is actually old school, its main component being a spring set in a clever position.

The benefits of this old school, all mechanical solution are that it is very rugged and reliable with only one moving part, and with all critical parts being made from high quality steel. It is also relatively reasonable in price, as opposed to servo-based (robotic) systems, and extremely effective.

It is distinct from servo-based (robotic) tuner systems: they automatically tune strings for the player, the player tunes the strings with EverTune, EverTune only keeps the strings in the exact tune set by the player.

If the point of a string on a stringed instrument is to play a specific note when the player plucks the string, then EverTune makes the string do its job magnificently for the life of the string. People have a lot of fun trying to get strings using the EverTune system out of tune. Browse around this site and other sites on the internet to see the growing number of videos and testimonials of people holding guitars by one string, taking guitars in and out of hot and cold environments, even turning the tuning machines, and then hitting chords that are still beautifully in tune!

Will EverTune be in all stringed instruments in the future? EverTune is less a choice and more an option, ultimately the users will decide based on its strengths which situations and which guitars and other instruments are right for EverTune.

For many people gigging on the road and at regular shows around town without the funds for a tech yet, they can carry one workhorse guitar with EverTune and be confident that they will always sound good. For pros, who want to be beautifully in tune before and after a crazy solo with five stop bends, and all the way through each of their songs, even with changing temperatures and humidity, EverTune is a must. For people who are doing TV gigs when the back stage is a way different environment then the stage with the lights, EverTune is flawless. For amateurs to pros with a stable of guitars, and one guitar in the stable that is a bear to keep in tune, EverTune is phenomenal.

Ford Thurston, a extremely talented session player from Nashville, has an EverTune Telecaster style guitar that he thinks sounds like the best tele in the world and he said, "EverTune is worth a hundred million bucks to me, because I can finally play my guitar and ALWAYS be in tune". Aside from the obvious hyperbole, we hope that EverTune is worth far more to players through years of use, than its modest retail price.

How EverTune Works
EverTune is a concept that ensures a resonating string will always play a specific note, ie. 'be in tune'. It does this by supplying constant tension to the string. EverTune holds one end of the string and pulls on the string with constant tension. The frequency of a resonating string has only three variables: length, mass, and tension. Again, the note a string plays only depends on three data: the length of the string, the weight of the string, and the tension of the string. Strings drift out of tune primarily because the tension changes, their mass and length are more and less constant. EverTune, holding one end of the string, will pull with constant tension, and therefore the string will stay in tune until it wants to be changed.1

EverTune's first embodiment is for electric guitars. EverTune is a bridge for electric guitars. It is secured to the body of the guitar, and the ball end of the string passes through it, and over the EverTune saddle. Since EverTune is a technology that holds one end of one string, there are technically six EverTune modules in a six string guitar, one for each string; and they act completely independently. Thus, if a player breaks a string on a six string guitar, the five others are still in tune (theoretically they will be imperceptibly (to my ear anyway) flat due to the elongation of the neck that comes from the loss in tension on the neck from the string that broke).

The Module
Each EverTune module holds one string. The magnitude of the constant tension supplied by an EverTune module can be set to any amount from 10 - 28 pounds. The tension of each EverTune module is set by a 2.5mm hex key that is supplied with EverTune and available at all hardware stores as well.

Since the tension of each EEverTune module can be set by the player to any point in the range from 10 - 28 pounds, off frequency tunings such as 10 cents above and below standard 440, often used to match to off frequency samples, are part of the EverTune modules' capabilities.

The first embodiment of EverTune creates constant tension via a spring set at a very special geometry and pulling on the bottom end of the saddle. Each EverTune module has its own spring. This spring, and spring housing, and bottom end of saddle are all embedded into the guitar and therefore invisible. The route cavity for the EverTune modules is similar to those for tremolo springs, about a half an inch longer, and a bit deeper.

The Faceplate
The six EverTune modules are all housed in an EverTune faceplate. The faceplates and EverTune modules come in four standard colors: chrome, gold chrome, black chrome, and nickle. The faceplate is aluminum to be light weight and the EverTune saddle in each EverTune module is steel.

Intonation Screws
The EverTune modules are held to the faceplate by six intonation screws in the back of the faceplate. The intonation screws are hex head and fit the same 2.5mm hex key used for tuning. Turning an intonation screw right pulls its EverTune module, which includes the saddle, back thus lengthening the string length. Turning an intonation screw left pushes the module forward, thus shortening the string length.

Action Screws
The last component of the EverTune bridge are the six action screws which are screwed into the top of the faceplate. They are hex head set screws which use the same 2.5mm hex key that is used for tuning and intonation. The top of each EverTune module pushes up on the bottom of each action screw. Turning an action screw to the right makes it push its EverTune module farther down, lowering the string height. Turning an action screw to the left allows its EverTune module to rise higher, raising the string height.

Setting Up Your EverTune Bridge
Setting up an EverTune guitar is exactly the same as setting up a conventional guitar except for one condition, the floating saddle. Once a string is strung through an EverTune module it is wrapped around a tuning machine at the headstock as normal. The tuning machine is turned to tighten the string as normal. The string is stretched tighter and tighter until the tension of the string is equal to the tension of the EverTune module (the tension of the EverTune module is set by the player in the range of 10 - 28 pounds). At this point, as the player tightens the tuning machine, the saddle moves forward. The saddle moves forward at exactly the same rate as the string is pulled by the tuning machine. This means the string stops stretching, and therefore the tension in the string stays constant, and equal to the tension of the EverTune module, while the saddle is in this floating range. This floating range lasts for 3-5 turns of the tuning machine. Then the saddle stops floating, and turning the tuning machine more will again increase the tension in the string.

Understanding String Tension
To better visualize this, imagine a burly man at the top of a cliff. He is trying to lift his 90 pound woman up the cliff via a rope. His woman ties the rope around her waist. The man starts pulling, the woman stays on the ground and the rope stretches tighter and tighter until the man pulls with 90 pounds of force. Then the woman lifts off the ground. For every pull the man makes after that, the woman moves up that same amount, and the tension in the rope stays at 90 pounds. Then, alas!, the rope gets caught on a ledge. Now the man pulls harder and harder and since the rope is stuck the tension increases in the rope but the woman stays put, hanging precariously above the ground until, snap!, the rope breaks.

In this example, the tuning machine at the headstock is the burly man, the guitar string is the rope, and the saddle is the 90 pound woman. The saddle of each EverTune module has three states which are the same three states as in this analogy of the man lifting the woman.

The Back Stop
The first state we call the back stop and this state is when the man is pulling with less than 90 pounds and the woman is still on the ground, while the rope gets tighter and tighter. Likewise, when the tuning machine is pulling with less than the tension the player set in the EverTune module, the saddle is fixed in its farthest back position: the back stop, while the string gets tighter and tighter.

The Sweet Spot
The next state we call the sweet spot, here is where the woman starts to rise because the man is pulling with 90 pounds tension. Likewise, in the EverTune sweet spot, the saddle floats forward with every turn of the tuning machine because the string is at the exact same tension as the tension set in the EverTune module by the player. This sweet spot lasts for 3 - 5 turns of the tuning machine at the headstock.

The Bend Stop
The last state is called the bend stop and this state is when the rope gets caught on a ledge and the tension will increase until it snaps. Likewise, when the saddle has reached the front of the sweet spot it stops moving and will stay locked until the string snaps if the player keeps turning the tuning machine.

One important note is that if the player sets the tension of the EverTune module to 28 pounds and starts tightening a very thin string, like an 009, the string will snap before the saddle ever starts floating. This is the equivalent of a man trying to pull a 200 pound woman up the cliff using a rope rated for 90 pounds. The rope breaks before the woman lifts off.

Once we understand what is happening with the floating saddle, it is very easy to understand how to set up and tune an EverTuneguitar. The most important part to learn is that the tension set in the EverTune module by the player is only seen when the saddle is floating. If the saddle is on the back stop, setting the tension of the EverTune module does nothing to the tension of the string. If the woman is still on the ground, and she picks up her 5 pound cat to carry with her, the rope stays at the same tension even though together the woman and cat weigh more than 90 pounds, because the woman and cat are still on the ground. This scenario is equivalent to a player increasing the tension of an EverTune module while the saddle is still on the back stop: the tension in the string stays the same because the saddle is still on the back stop. Likewise if the saddle is on the bend stop, setting the tension of the EverTune module has 0 effect on the tension in the string. Only when the saddle is floating in the sweet spot can we tune the string by setting the tension of the EverTune module. Once we understand this, we know all there is to know about using the EverTune bridge.

Setting the Tension
To set the tension of an EverTune module, we use the hex key in the hole right behind where the string exits the EverTunemodule. Turning the key right increases the tension of the EverTune module, up to about 28 pounds. Turning the key left decreases the tension of the EverTune module down to about 10 pounds.

Bending Strings
Bending strings is easy once we understand the EverTune saddle. To bend we position the saddle in the sweet spot, right before the bend stop. This is the same as the man holding the woman right before the rope catches on the ledge. When we bend the string, the saddle immediately goes to the bend stop, and the tension in the string increases, and we bend normally.

There are two fast and easy ways to position the saddle right before the bend stop so that bends happen normally.

The first way is visually, turn the tuning machine while the saddle is in the sweet spot and keep tugging on the string with gentle tugs to see how far it rocks forward. As it nears the bend stop it will rock forward less and less. Keep turning the tuning machine until each tug makes it rock forward an almost invisible amount. Then bends will happen really fast. In this method, we should keep in mind that the amount the string rocks forward from a gentle tug, is the amount we will have to pull the string before it bends. Producers, love this feature of the EverTune because it allows us to set when each string will go sharp from bending and hard fretting and high action. If we want a string to always be in tune for say a rhythm guitar, then we keep the saddle in the middle of the bend stop. If we want a string to bend but avoid going sharp from over fretting and from grabbing big chords, then we leave a little play in the saddle before it comes to the bend stop. If we want to bend like a conventional guitar, then we position it so the saddle moves almost none before locking up.

The second fast and easy way to position the saddle for optimal bending in the sweet spot is the audible way. The player turns the tuning machine at the headstock while plucking the string until the note goes sharp. She then backs the tuning machine off about a quarter turn to drop it back into the sweet spot. Here again, the player decides how much sweet spot there is before the bend stop. To bend precisely as fast as a conventional guitar, the player would use a tuner and perfectly tune the string while in the sweet spot. Then the player would turn the tuning machine until the note on the tuner reads sharp, then back off the tuning machine until the note EXACTLY drops back in to tune. This is the exact front of the sweet spot right at the bend stop, and here bends will happen exactly as fast as on a conventional guitar. The player should note also that hard fretting and grabbing big chords will make the strings play sharp here.

Intonation
Intonating with the EverTune bridge is done with the screws in the very back of the faceplate that are labeled intonation screws. There are six screws, one for each EverTune module. These screws screw into the EverTune modules and move them back and forth. Tightening an intonation screw moves its EverTune module backwards which lengthens the string. Loosening a screw moves its EverTune module forwards which shortens the string. When we have to lengthen a string a good deal, it is advisable to slacken the string with the tuning machines at the headstock first because it is easier to turn the screw and because when the string is at tension, lengthening it too much will cause it to snap. The EverTune modules intonate very well, and they intonate best when the string plays in tune in the open (and 12th fret harmonic) as well as the 12th fret fretted position and the 17th fret fretted position. Because EverTune keeps the tension of the string constant, a lot of intonation issues, such as sharp notes on the first frets with high action, are corrected.

Adjusting Action / String Height
Adjusting the action/string height, is done with the six screws on the top of the faceplate, one for each EverTune module. Each action screw pushes down on an EverTune module. Tightening the screw, lowers the EverTune module, and hence the saddle and the string. Loosening the screw, raises the EverTune module, and the saddle and the string.

NOTE: Changing action, changes intonation. Changing desired sweet spot position also changes intonation. It is advisable therefore, to string and tune the guitar, set the correct action, and set each string to its desired position in the sweet spot, and then check intonation. If a string has to be intonated, we should remember to reset the saddle to the desired position in the sweet spot before re-checking intonation because changing intonation changes the position of the saddle in the sweet spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you bend notes with EverTune?
Yes, when properly set up (which is simple), EverTuned guitars bend and trem like normal guitars.

Is it electric?
The EverTune bridge is all mechanical, consisting of one spring for each string. It never needs batteries and nothing is "automated". The player hand-tunes and the bridge holds the tension (tune) set by the player indefinitely...until restringing or deliberate tuning (for alternate keys)

Is it like the Robot Guitar® and other auto tune guitar systems?
Evertune is unique. Auto Tuning systems re-tune guitars when they are activated by the player, but guitars with auto tuners go out of tune during play, like any other guitar. We keep the guitar always in tune.

Can it tune to any tunings and detune?
Yes, the player sets the tune like a normal guitar.

How does EverTune "know" how to hold tune if it’s all mechanical?
EverTune is a totally passive system. All it does is pull the string with the same (constant) tension, regardless of the string's expansion or contraction. We use a compact spring suspension system to accomplish this. The tuners on the EverTune bridge increase or decrease the tension with which the strings are pulled. Thus the player sets the tension (and hence tune) of each string.

Does EverTune REALLY stay perfectly in tune?
In current tests of our prototypes and early production models, after one to two weeks, we might see a few strings go about 5 cents flat (which is still in tune to most ears). However, the vast majority of strings on EverTuned guitars are perfectly in tune (less than 2 cents sharp and flat) for the life of the string, through all sorts of conditions and styles of play.

EverTune is a work in progress, and we continue to refine it based on feedback from our beta testers, so even this may be improved before commercial release.

Will it be available for other instruments?
Yes. First electric guitar, and then bass. After bass we will develop a tremolo and B bender version for the electric guitar and then a version for acoustic and twelve string guitars. On the far horizon we have our sites set on piano, electric cello, electric violin.

Can it be a B-bender?
Yes it works very well as a B-bender. This is also currently in development.

Is it available for 7 string guitars?
The six string model is standard, the 7 string will be custom, but will be available.

How much wood does it take out?
The style with which we are launching will have about the same size route as the trem pocket for a strat, about half an inch longer and a bit deeper.

How much does it cost?
The retail price for our first ever models are $330.

Is it available in different colors?
Yes, it is available in Gold Chrome, Black Chrome, Chrome, and Nickel.

Will I finally be able to pound on my guitar and rip it to shreds 'til I get to a new dynamic range of loud, and then rip into a roaring solo with seven stop bends, and then bring it on home with a grand finale where I do Pete Townshend style windmill chord strums but 5 times as fast and then hit the final A chord and have it sound in tune?
Yes.

Is it a trem/floating bridge or a fixed bridge?
The EverTune bridge plays like a fixed bridge. In terms of tone, it is on par with a hard tail/fixed bridge.

However, each string is suspended by a spring, and the saddle is floating, so in terms of attack and sustain, it may be more similar to a trem/floating bridge.

Any plans for a trem version?
Yes, we will have a trem version in the future.

Does the spring suspension system affect tone and sustain?
Every change to any bridge affects tone and sustain. We have gone to great lengths to use good tonal materials such as steel to get a tone that we think is great. Strings attached to springs resonate only 75%-80% as long and usually have a softer attack because some of the resonant energy bleeds into the springs. To compensate, we developed spring buffers and dampers, a great saddle design, and lots of steel.

As a result, EverTune's attack and sustain are as good and better than other floating bridges, and the tone is louder and brighter than a stock bridge on many of the prototype guitars we have installed. Many people are concerned that EverTune's functionality will be at the expense of tone. To this we can offer that the huge majority of our beta testers say that their guitars sound MUCH BETTER after the EverTune installation. This may be because guitars that are beautifully in tune all the way up the neck, re-enforce the sounds and frequencies of chords and melodies. It may be because of our high quality steel saddles. We feel that the tone of this first ever EverTune is awesome, and we are constantly working to make it better.

If the saddles move to keep the tension constant, does this affect intonation?
Theoretically, when saddles move, they change string length, which changes intonation. But during normal use of the EverTune bridge, the saddles move too little to affect intonation.

In our tests* of the EverTune bridge, a saddle had to move AT LEAST 0.75mm before there was a measurable change in intonation (about 5 cents at the 17th fret). 0.75mm is a HUGE change, nearly impossible to recreate in normal play. How impossible? On a standard guitar, if the low E string of a set of 010s changes length by just 0.25 mm, it will go out of tune a WHOLE STEP (e.g. an E would drop to a D). That just doesn't happen in the real world-and it would take THREE TIMES as much detuning to make a noticeable intonation difference on an EverTune bridge. In other words: conditions that would create a noticeable (5 cents at the 17th fret) intonation difference with EverTune would cause a normal guitar to be 3 WHOLE steps flat!

*tests performed using 010 gauge strings on a Mexican Telecaster.

Is EverTune necessary? Shouldn’t real guitarists be able to keep in tune?
Can rock gods rock out WITHOUT EverTune? Of course. A car without a suspension still gets where it's going. The suspension just smooths the ride. An experienced guitarist with quality hardware and a good set of pre-stretched strings will be in tune throughout a song, even a whole set, 90% of the time, assuming nothing accidentally bumps the tuning pegs. A pro can tune a regular guitar in just seven seconds after a song is over, but if he has a really good ear, he’ll hear when he is starting to go out of tune, and that's usually DURING the song.

With the EverTune bridge, that same guitarist will be in tune 99.9% of the time, even if someone bumps the tuning peg, even if he uses cheap hardware, and even if he uses a freshly-changed set of strings. And when instruments are perfectly in tune, they sound AMAZING.

Being in tune also saves time for live acts. Sick Puppies report being able to play one more song per set (using one of EverTune's oldest prototypes) because they save the time that used to be spent tuning after every song or switching guitars offstage. And their guitar tech says that EverTune makes his life much easier and less stressful. :-)

In the studio, where time is money, EverTune cuts down the 4-5 takes it takes to get some passages right in terms of tuning down to one, and it preserves those passages that are so perfect and have to be re-taken because they are out of tune.

Is restringing and re-tuning harder or easier with EverTune?
EverTune strings exactly like a regular guitar. Unlike a Floyd/floating trem, if one string breaks, the others stay in tune.

EverTune actually strings FASTER than a conventional guitar because the system retains the same tension from before the old string broke, so the new string is in tune from the get go. That's right: no more waiting times for the strings to stretch before they finally hold tune!

Model:	ET001GC
Manufacturer:	EVERTUNE

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