Gibson Les Paul Bridge Replacement: Which Bridge Fits Your Les Paul?
Which replacement Les Paul bridge fits depends on how your bridge is mounted, not just on the model name. Gibson Les Pauls use one of three systems: an ABR-1 on posts screwed straight into the wood, an ABR-1 on bushing-mounted posts (some Gibson USA models, 2017 on), or a Nashville bridge on bushings. Faber makes ABR-1 style bridges only, so each system gets its own Faber bridge and post combination.
Check your posts, find your guitar in the table, then go to the section for your bridge system.
Which bridge do you have? (30-second check)
Look at the posts and thumbwheels, not just the bridge.
ABR-1 on posts in the wood
- Thin 6-32 posts, threaded along their full length, screwed straight into the wood. There’s no metal bushing.
- The thumbwheels are separate parts that ride up and down the threads.
- Found on Custom Shop Historic, Murphy Lab and reissue Les Pauls, vintage Les Pauls from 1957 to 1973, and the 1990–2003 Les Paul Classic.
ABR-1 on bushing-mounted posts (some Gibson USA models, 2017 on)
- A normal ABR-1 bridge, but each post and thumbwheel is one piece that screws into a metal bushing in the body.
- The post is smooth, not threaded, above the thumbwheel.
- Found on Original Collection Les Paul Standard ’50s and ’60s from 2019 on, the 2017–2024 Les Paul Classic (not the 2017–2018 HP or titanium-saddle versions) and the 2017–2019 Les Paul Traditional. The table below lists them.
Nashville bridge on bushings
- One-piece posts in metal bushings, like the system above, but the bridge itself is noticeably wider than an ABR-1.
- The saddle screw heads usually face the tailpiece, and the post tops are smooth.
- Found on 2017–2019 Gibson USA Les Paul Standards, most Modern Collection Les Pauls and others (see the table).
Still not sure? Compare your guitar with the photo tiles on Which Gibson Bridge Do I Have?, read the full ABR-1 vs Nashville vs wraparound comparison, or send me photos of your bridge and posts through Contact Us.
Les Paul bridge quick reference by model and year
Find your Les Paul, note its bridge system, then jump to section A, B or C below. If your guitar isn’t listed, check the posts.
| Les Paul model | Years | Bridge system | Section |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom Shop Historic, Murphy Lab and reissue Les Pauls with a Tune-O-Matic | All years | ABR-1, posts in the wood | A |
| Vintage Les Paul with stop tailpiece | 1957–1973 | ABR-1, posts in the wood | A |
| Les Paul Standard ’50s, ’50s P-90 and ’60s, all variants (Original Collection) | 2019 on | ABR-1, bushing-mounted* | B |
| Les Paul Standard, Standard HP/HP-II, Standard 2019 (Gibson USA) | 2017–2019 | Nashville | C |
| Les Paul Studio, Tribute, Faded (Gibson USA) | 2017–2018 | Nashville | C |
| 2017 HP models (chrome hardware, robot tuners, titanium saddles) | 2017 | Nashville-type | C |
| Les Paul Classic | 1990–2003 | ABR-1, posts in the wood | A |
| Les Paul Classic | 2004–2016 | Nashville | C |
| Les Paul Classic (2017 T only; discontinued 2025) | 2017–2024 | ABR-1, bushing-mounted* | B |
| Les Paul Classic 2017 HP, or 2017–2018 with titanium saddles | 2017–2018 | Nashville-type | C |
| Les Paul Traditional 2017 T (nickel hardware, keystone tuners) | 2017 | ABR-1, bushing-mounted* | B |
| Les Paul Traditional 2017 HP (chrome hardware, G FORCE robot tuners) | 2017 | Nashville-type: aluminum bridge, titanium saddles | C |
| Les Paul Traditional (regular model ended after 2019) | 2018–2019 | ABR-1, bushing-mounted* | B |
| Les Paul Traditional Pro V (Guitar Center only) | 2019–2022 | Nashville | C |
| Les Paul Studio, Studio Session, Studio Modern, Studio Figured Top, Studio Double Trouble | Current | Nashville | C |
| Les Paul Modern Figured, Modern Lite, Modern Koa, Supreme, DES, Music City Special | Current | Nashville | C |
| Les Paul Custom 70s (Original Collection) | Current | Nashville | C |
| Les Paul 70s Deluxe, Custom Shop Les Paul Custom (non-Historic), artist models | Varies | Check the posts | ID check above |
| Les Paul Junior, Les Paul Special, ’54 Goldtop reissue | All years | Wraparound (no separate bridge) | See “Other Les Pauls” |
*Gibson’s specs don’t say how these posts are mounted. Faber fits them as Gibson USA bushing-mounted ABR-1. A quick look at your posts confirms it. Have a 2017–2018 Classic or Traditional with chrome hardware, robot tuners or titanium saddles? Check your posts: it may be the Nashville type.
A note on collection names: gibson.com files the Les Paul Classic under the Modern Collection, but the 2017–2024 Classic has an ABR-1 on bushing-mounted posts (except 2017–2018 HP or titanium-saddle versions), not a Nashville bridge. So “Modern Collection” usually means Nashville, but not always.
A. Les Paul with an ABR-1 on posts in the wood (Custom Shop, Historic, vintage)
This is the original Gibson system, and the simplest swap.
The Faber ABRH is a no-wire, rattle-free ABR-1 style bridge. It drops straight onto your existing 6-32 posts, with no special tools and no changes to the guitar.
Want it locked down? The Tone-Lock bridge for Gibson with ABR-1 comes with ABR-1 (6-32) lock nuts that thread onto your existing posts, so the bridge stays on the guitar during string changes, and because the bridge stays locked in place, your intonation doesn’t change.
For everything in one box, the #5000 Master Kit for Gibson with ABR-1 combines a Tone-Lock bridge, the TP-’59 tailpiece, Tone-Lock INCH studs, ABR-1 6-32 lock nuts and the lock nut tool, with an optional brass bridge. The product page has the full list.
- ABRH bridge for Gibson ABR-1, #3023-0 Gloss Nickel. Other finishes: ABRH bridges for ABR-1 posts
- Tone-Lock bridge for Gibson with ABR-1, #3031-0 Gloss Nickel. Other finishes: Tone-Lock bridges for Gibson with ABR-1
- #5000 Master Kit for Gibson with ABR-1. Other finishes: Master Kits for Gibson with ABR-1
- Everything for this system: Products for Gibson Guitars with ABR-1 Bridges
B. Gibson USA Les Paul with an ABR-1 on bushing-mounted posts (2017 on)
The bridge is a normal ABR-1. The mount is what’s different: the posts screw into metal bushings in the body, and they’re smooth above the thumbwheel, with no threads.
This system is on:
- The 2017–2019 Les Paul Traditional (2017 T only, not the HP).
- The 2017–2024 Les Paul Classic, except the 2017–2018 HP or titanium-saddle versions.
- Original Collection Les Paul Standard ’50s, ’50s P-90 and ’60s, all variants, from 2019 on.
- Outside the Les Paul line, Original Collection SG Standards (including the SG Standard ’61) and the ES-335/345 use this system too.
Own a 2017–2018 Classic or Traditional with chrome hardware, robot tuners or titanium saddles? Check your posts before ordering; it may be a Nashville-type bridge (section C).
For a simple drop-in, the ABRH sits right on your factory posts. A locking Tone-Lock bridge needs threaded posts, so add Faber “EZ” USA/ABR-1 posts (#3052, steel, keep your bushings) or “PLUS” USA/ABR-1 posts (#3117, German bell brass, replace the bushings). Easier still, get a Tone-Lock bridge or Master Kit that already includes them.
- ABRH bridge for Gibson ABR-1
- #3052-0 “EZ” USA/ABR-1 conversion posts
- #3117-0 “PLUS” USA/ABR-1 German bell brass conversion posts
- #3031-0-EZ USA/ABR-1 Tone-Lock bridge
- #3031-0-PLUS USA/ABR-1 Tone-Lock bridge
- #6045 Master Kit “EZ” USA/ABR-1
- #6049 Master Kit “PLUS” USA/ABR-1
- Everything for this system: Products for Gibson Guitars with USA/ABR-1 Bridges
For the EZ vs PLUS details and install notes, see my Gibson USA ABR-1 guide.
C. Les Paul with a Nashville bridge (most Modern Collection models)
Nashville Les Pauls include:
- The Les Paul Custom 70s.
- Les Paul Studio models: Studio, Studio Session, Studio Modern, Studio Figured Top and Studio Double Trouble.
- Other Modern Collection Les Pauls: Modern Figured, Modern Lite, Modern Koa, Supreme, DES and Music City Special.
- 2017–2019 Gibson USA Les Paul Standards: Standard, Standard HP/HP-II and Standard 2019.
- 2017–2018 Les Paul Studio, Tribute and Faded.
- 2017 HP models, including the Traditional HP and Classic HP, plus 2017–2018 Classics with titanium saddles.
- The 2004–2016 Les Paul Classic.
- The Guitar Center-only Traditional Pro V (2019–2022).
Faber doesn’t make a Nashville-style bridge. Instead, a Nashville Les Paul gets an ABR-1 style bridge: the Faber ABRN or the Tone-Lock bridge. The ABRN is ABR-1 sized, so you get the vintage look and can set the tailpiece lower without the strings touching the back of the bridge.
The stock one-piece Nashville posts come out. Every ABRN, Tone-Lock bridge and Master Kit for Nashville guitars ships with Faber conversion posts, and you choose which kind:
- NSWKIT “E-Z”: steel posts that thread into your existing bushings. No modification.
- iNsert “Plus”: German bell brass. Replaces the bushings, so check the hole depth first.
- BSWKIT “Pro”: steel studs. The bushings are removed, and professional installation is recommended.
Pick your bridge or kit:
- ABRN bridge with conversion posts: ABRN “E-Z”, ABRN “Plus”, ABRN “Pro”
- Tone-Lock bridge for Nashville: #3031-0-NSW “E-Z”, #3031-0-INS “Plus”, #3031-0-BSW “Pro”
- Master Kits for Gibson with Nashville bridge: #5004 “E-Z”, #5008 “Plus”, #5012 “Pro”
- The posts on their own: NSWKIT “E-Z”, iNsert “Plus”, BSWKIT “Pro”
Help choosing posts: Choosing conversion bridge posts for Gibson with Nashville bridges. Step-by-step install: How to Convert a Gibson Nashville Bridge to ABR-1 Style. Everything for this system: Products for Gibson Guitars with Nashville Bridges.
Locking Les Paul bridge upgrade: Tone-Lock and Master Kits
A Tone-Lock bridge locks to threaded posts with lock nuts instead of set screws, so it stays on the guitar when you change strings. A Tone-Lock Master Kit adds the TP-’59 lightweight aluminum stop tailpiece and Tone-Lock INCH locking studs and spacers, plus the posts your system needs.
Which Master Kit:
- ABR-1 on posts in the wood: #5000
- Gibson USA bushing-mounted ABR-1: #6045 “EZ” or #6049 “PLUS”
- Nashville: #5004 “E-Z”, #5008 “Plus” or #5012 “Pro”
Each product page lists exactly what’s in the box.
Tailpiece and studs: always INCH on a Gibson
Gibson USA-made guitars use INCH (5/16-24) tailpiece studs, so choose Tone-Lock INCH studs or the Tone-Lock KIT (INCH), never METRIC. The TP-’59 is Faber’s lightweight aluminum stop tailpiece.
- TP-’59 tailpiece, #3010-0 Gloss Nickel
- Tone-Lock (INCH) studs, #3000-0 Gloss Nickel
- #4000 Tone-Lock KIT (INCH)
- Which guitars use INCH parts and which use METRIC parts?
Other Les Pauls
Les Paul Junior, Special or ’54 Goldtop reissue? Those have a one-piece wraparound bridge and tailpiece, not a separate bridge. See Products for Gibson Guitars with Wraparound Bridges.
Have an Epiphone? Epiphone Les Pauls use a different, metric system, so these Gibson parts aren’t the right fit. See Selecting a Bridge for Epiphone and Other Imports.
Les Paul bridge FAQ
What replacement bridge fits a Gibson Les Paul?
It depends on how your bridge is mounted. An ABR-1 on posts screwed into the wood takes the Faber ABRH or the Tone-Lock bridge for ABR-1. A Gibson USA ABR-1 on bushing-mounted posts takes the ABRH, or a Tone-Lock bridge with Faber “EZ” or “PLUS” USA/ABR-1 posts. A Nashville Les Paul takes the Faber ABRN or Tone-Lock bridge, always with NSWKIT, iNsert or BSWKIT conversion posts.
How do I tell if my Les Paul has an ABR-1 or a Nashville bridge?
Look at the posts. Thin threaded posts screwed straight into the wood, with separate thumbwheels and no metal bushing, mean an ABR-1 on wood posts. One-piece posts in metal body bushings mean either a Gibson USA bushing-mounted ABR-1 or a Nashville bridge. The Nashville bridge is noticeably wider than an ABR-1, and its saddle screw heads usually face the tailpiece.
Can I put an ABR-1 style bridge on a Les Paul with a Nashville bridge?
Yes, with the right posts. The Faber ABRN and Tone-Lock bridge are ABR-1 style bridges for Nashville guitars. FaberUSA sells them only with conversion posts that replace the stock Nashville posts: NSWKIT “E-Z” (steel, threads into your existing bushings), iNsert “Plus” (German bell brass, replaces the bushings) or BSWKIT “Pro” (steel, professional installation recommended).
Does the Les Paul Standard ’50s or ’60s have an ABR-1 or a Nashville bridge?
An ABR-1. Gibson lists an ABR-1 on every Original Collection Les Paul Standard ’50s and ’60s variant, from 2019 on, on bushing-mounted posts. The regular 2017–2019 Gibson USA Les Paul Standard, Standard HP/HP-II and Standard 2019 have a Nashville bridge instead. The Faber ABRH drops onto the factory posts, and a Tone-Lock bridge needs Faber “EZ” or “PLUS” USA/ABR-1 posts.
Is the Les Paul Classic an ABR-1 or a Nashville guitar?
It depends on the year. Les Paul Classics from 1990 to 2003 have an ABR-1 on posts in the wood. Classics from 2004 to 2016 have a Nashville bridge. Classics from 2017 to 2024 have a Gibson USA ABR-1 on bushing-mounted posts, even though gibson.com files the Classic in the Modern Collection. The exception is the 2017 Classic HP and 2017–2018 Classics with titanium saddles, which are Nashville-type; if yours has chrome hardware or robot tuners, check your posts. The Classic was discontinued in 2025.
Which bridge does a Les Paul Traditional have?
Check the year and the hardware. The 2017 Traditional T (nickel hardware, keystone tuners) and the 2018–2019 Traditional have an ABR-1, which Faber fits as a Gibson USA bushing-mounted ABR-1. The 2017 Traditional HP (chrome hardware, G FORCE robot tuners) and the Guitar Center-only Traditional Pro V (2019–2022) have a Nashville-type bridge. The regular Traditional ended after 2019. A 2017–2018 Traditional with chrome hardware, robot tuners or titanium saddles: check your posts.