Epiphone Les Paul Locking Tune-o-matic Bridge Upgrade: What Fits
The best Tune-o-matic bridge upgrade for an Epiphone Les Paul, or for any other import with a separate bridge and stop tailpiece, is the Faber bridge made for its bridge posts. On large bushing mounted posts, use a Faber Tone-Lock or ABRM bridge with Faber E-Sert or ESWKIT conversion posts; on 4mm direct mounted posts, the Faber Tone-Lock -IMP bridge or the #3060 ABRM for direct mounted posts drops onto the posts you already have. Choose Tone-Lock for a bridge that locks to its posts, or the ABRM for a non-locking replacement. Use the fit chart below to match your posts to the bridge, posts, tailpiece and studs in one step.
Identify your bridge posts (30 seconds)
This page covers guitars with a separate bridge and stop tailpiece — most Les Pauls, SGs, 335s and similar Epiphone, Tokai, Ibanez and other imports. Look at the bridge posts:
- Thin 4mm threaded posts screwed straight into the wood, separate thumbwheels, no screw slot on top → direct mounted.
- A metal bushing in the body, with a one-piece post and thumbwheel threaded into it and a screw slot on top → large bushing mounted. This is most Epiphones, regular Inspired by Gibson models, and the single-cut IGC Les Paul Custom.
- An Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom (IGC in the model name), other than the single-cut Les Paul Custom → IGC 4mm posts, the same 4mm size as direct mounted, but the 4mm posts are screwed into body bushings and the thumbwheels are separate. As a result, the ABRM model bridge can be used on an IGC guitar, as if it had direct mounted bridge posts. On the other hand, due to the nature of how the 4mm post is used in IGC guitars, IGC owners can not use the direct mounted Master Kit (#5016–#5019); use the IGC Master Kit #6063 / #6064 with IBG-Sert instead.
Not sure? Compare photos on Which Epi Guitar Do I Have?, or send clear photos through Contact Us.
If your Les Paul is a Gibson rather than an Epiphone or other import with a separate bridge and stop tailpiece, see Gibson Les Paul Bridge Replacement.
Epiphone fit chart
| Your guitar | Post system | Non-locking bridge | Locking bridge (Tone-Lock) | Posts | Tailpiece + studs | Complete kit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most Epiphone Les Paul, SG and ES models; regular Inspired by Gibson; single-cut IGC Les Paul Custom | Large bushing mounted | ABRM #3060 “E-Z” or “Plus” | Tone-Lock #3031-ESW “E-Z” or #3031-EST “Plus” | Included: “E-Z” = ESWKIT steel posts into your bushings; “Plus” = E-Sert German bell brass, replaces bushings and posts | TP-59 + METRIC M8 x 1.25 studs | Master Kit “E-Z” or “Plus” |
| Imports with direct mounted posts (no bushings), such as Tokai, Ibanez and older Epiphones | 4mm direct mounted | ABRM #3060 for direct mounted posts — drops on | Tone-Lock #3031-IMP — drops on | None needed — keep your posts | TP-59 + METRIC M8 x 1.25 studs | Master Kit #5016–#5019 for direct mounted posts |
| Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom (IGC), except the single-cut Les Paul Custom | IGC 4mm posts screwed into body bushings, separate thumbwheels | ABRM #3060 for direct mounted posts — drops on | Tone-Lock #3031-IBG | ABRM: none needed. Tone-Lock: IBG-Sert conversion posts required (included with #3031-IBG) | TP-59 + METRIC M8 x 1.25 studs | Master Kit #6063 / #6064 for IGC (includes IBG-Sert) |
| Wraparound bridge (bridge and tailpiece in one) | A different system, covered separately — this chart is for a separate bridge and stop tailpiece. | |||||
| Gibson, not Epiphone | See Gibson Les Paul Bridge Replacement. | |||||
Every Epiphone and other import with a stop tailpiece, including Inspired by Gibson and IGC models, uses METRIC M8 x 1.25 tailpiece studs. For all Epiphone parts in one place, see the Epiphone Parts Guide.
Large bushing mounted posts: “E-Z” ESWKIT or “Plus” E-Sert
A metal bushing is mounted in the body, and the one-piece post and thumbwheel thread into it. The original post comes out before a Faber ABRM or Tone-Lock bridge for large bushing mounted posts will fit, so each of those bridges comes with conversion posts in your choice of two styles. For a side-by-side, see Choosing conversion bridge posts for Epiphone and imports.
Faber “E-Z” ESWKIT
ESWKIT is a steel post that screws into the bushings already in the body, using the same M8 x 1.25 thread as the original post. No body work is needed. To change the body bushings too, add Faber “TPM” metric steel bridge/tailpiece bushings, or choose E-Sert.
Faber “Plus” E-Sert
E-Sert replaces both the bushing and the post with German bell brass in one step. Separate thumbwheels raise or lower the bridge. Each kit includes an 8mm bolt to pull the old body bushings: the bottom of the bushing is hollow, so threading the bolt in lifts the bushing once the bolt meets the wood. This video shows the procedure on the Faber iNsert for a Gibson Nashville bridge; installing the E-Sert is the same procedure.
Direct mounted 4mm posts: drop-on ABRM or Tone-Lock -IMP
Direct mounted posts have no bushings. They are thin 4mm threaded posts mounted directly in the wood, with separate thumbwheels and no screw slot on top. Tokai, Ibanez and other imports with direct mounted posts use this same Epiphone/imports path. The bridge choice is simple: the ABRM #3060 for direct mounted posts (non-locking) or the Tone-Lock #3031-IMP (locking) drops onto the posts you already have. For the full upgrade in one order, the Master Kit for direct mounted posts adds the TP-59 tailpiece and Tone-Lock studs. This kit is for true direct mounted imports only — not for IGC guitars.
Epiphone Inspired by Gibson vs Inspired By Gibson Custom (IGC)
Epiphone’s two Inspired by Gibson lines use different bridge posts. Regular Inspired by Gibson guitars (no IGC in the model name) use large bushing mounted posts: follow the large bushing row of the fit chart. Inspired By Gibson Custom guitars carry the IGC prefix and use 4mm posts, the same size as direct mounted, but the 4mm posts are screwed into body bushings and the thumbwheels are separate. As a result, the Faber ABRM #3060 for direct mounted posts drops right onto the original IGC posts, as if they were direct mounted posts. For a locking bridge, the Tone-Lock #3031-IBG is the IGC version, and it needs Faber IBG-Sert German bell brass conversion posts, which come with it. The Tone-Lock -IMP for direct mounted posts is not for IGC guitars. IGC owners must not use the direct mounted Master Kit (#5016–#5019); use the IGC Master Kit #6063 / #6064 with IBG-Sert instead. The one exception is the single-cut IGC Les Paul Custom, which uses large bushing mounted posts.
Full guide: Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom (IGC) and Faber IBG-Sert posts · Master Kit #6063 / #6064 for IGC.
Tailpiece, studs and kits
- TP-59 aluminum stop tailpiece: weighs 1.01 oz, about 1/3 of a typical 3.2 oz zinc tailpiece, for a woodier, more vintage tone. More on tailpieces: Stop tailpiece replacement.
- “Vintage Steel” METRIC tailpiece studs: steel non-locking studs, M8 x 1.25.
- Tone-Lock METRIC studs and spacers: lock the tailpiece and add sustain.
- Tone-Lock tailpiece kit: TP-59 plus Tone-Lock studs and spacers, priced below the same parts bought separately, with the lock-nut and stud tool included.
- Tone-Lock Master Kit: Tone-Lock bridge, TP-59 and Tone-Lock studs and spacers in one order — large bushing mounted, direct mounted (#5016–#5019, true direct mounted imports only), or IGC (#6063 / #6064, with IBG-Sert). IGC posts are 4mm like direct mounted but screwed into body bushings, so IGC owners must not use the direct mounted Master Kit (#5016–#5019) — use #6063 / #6064 only.
Saddles
Every Faber bridge ships with pre-notched saddles. Spare and upgrade Faber saddles, including starter-notched, no-notch and nylon #3124-1, with retaining rings, fit Faber ABRH, ABRN, ABRM and Tone-Lock bridges. See Replacement Tune-o-matic saddles.
Epiphone bridge upgrade FAQ
What’s the best Tune-o-matic bridge upgrade for an Epiphone Les Paul?
It depends on your bridge posts. On large bushing mounted posts, a Faber Tone-Lock bridge with E-Sert or ESWKIT conversion posts gives a bridge that locks to its posts. On direct mounted 4mm posts, the Tone-Lock -IMP bridge or the #3060 ABRM for direct mounted posts drops onto your existing posts. If you don’t need a locking bridge, the ABRM is the non-locking choice for any post type.
Is there a locking Tune-o-matic bridge for an Epiphone Les Paul?
Yes. On large bushing-mounted posts, use Tone-Lock #3031-ESW “E-Z” (ESWKIT posts screw into your existing bushings) or Tone-Lock #3031-EST “Plus” with E-Sert (replaces bushings and posts). On 4mm direct-mounted posts, use Tone-Lock #3031-IMP, which drops onto the posts you already have.
How do I tell if my Epiphone has bushing mounted or direct mounted posts?
Look at the top of the post. A screw slot on top, with a metal bushing in the body, means large bushing mounted. Thin 4mm threaded posts in the wood with separate thumbwheels and no slot means direct mounted.
Do I need conversion posts for my Epiphone?
With large bushing mounted posts, yes: E-Sert or ESWKIT posts come with the Faber ABRM and Tone-Lock bridges for that system. Direct mounted 4mm posts need none. On an IGC guitar, the ABRM needs none, and the Tone-Lock #3031-IBG uses IBG-Sert conversion posts, which come with it.
What is the difference between ESWKIT (“E-Z”) and E-Sert (“Plus”)?
ESWKIT is a steel post that screws into your existing bushings, with no body work. E-Sert replaces both the bushings and the posts with German bell brass, and includes an 8mm bolt to pull the old bushings.
Is there a Tone-Lock version of the ABRM bridge?
No. The ABRM and the Tone-Lock bridge are separate ABR-59 designs. The ABRM is non-locking. If you want a locking bridge, choose the Tone-Lock bridge for your post type.
Do Faber bridges fit Inspired by Gibson Epiphones?
Yes. Regular Inspired by Gibson models use large bushing mounted posts and take the E-Z or Plus bridges. Inspired By Gibson Custom (IGC) models use 4mm posts screwed into body bushings, with separate thumbwheels: the ABRM for direct mounted posts drops on, and the Tone-Lock #3031-IBG comes with IBG-Sert conversion posts. IGC owners must not use the direct mounted Master Kit (#5016–#5019); use the IGC Master Kit #6063 / #6064 with IBG-Sert instead.
Which bridge fits an Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom (IGC) guitar?
IGC guitars use 4mm posts, the same size as direct mounted, but screwed into body bushings with separate thumbwheels. The Faber ABRM #3060 for direct mounted posts drops onto the original posts. For a locking bridge, use the Tone-Lock #3031-IBG with IBG-Sert conversion posts (included); the Tone-Lock -IMP is not for IGC. IGC owners must not use the direct mounted Master Kit (#5016–#5019); use the IGC Master Kit #6063 / #6064 with IBG-Sert instead. The single-cut IGC Les Paul Custom is the exception: it uses large bushing mounted posts and takes ESWKIT or E-Sert.
Will a TP-59 tailpiece fit my Epiphone?
Yes. Every TP-59 fits every Epiphone. The aluminum TP-59 weighs 1.01 oz, 1/3 the weight of a typical 3.2 oz zinc tailpiece.
What size tailpiece studs does an Epiphone use?
Every Epiphone and other import, including Inspired by Gibson and Inspired By Gibson Custom models, uses METRIC M8 x 1.25 tailpiece studs. Faber’s Vintage Steel and Tone-Lock studs both come in METRIC.
How is Tone-Lock different from TonePros?
TonePros locks the tailpiece to the stud only. Tone-Lock studs and spacers make one solid connection from the top of the stud down to the body bushing, so the tailpiece stays in place during string changes and the spacers set its height.