Wilkenson MX1790GD

The Wilkinson MX1790GD tremolo bridge in gold finish is a high-performance, vintage-inspired tremolo bridge designed for electric guitars. Known for its precise engineering and smooth operation, this bridge is favored by many guitarists and luthiers for its blend of vintage styling and modern functionality. Here’s a detailed review of its key features:

### 1. **Design and Aesthetic**
   - **Gold Finish**: The MX1790GD features a stunning gold-plated finish that adds an elegant, luxurious look to any electric guitar. The gold finish is durable and resistant to tarnishing, ensuring the bridge retains its visual appeal over time.
   - **Vintage-Inspired Design**: This tremolo bridge is based on vintage 6-screw designs, making it suitable for players seeking the classic look and feel of early tremolo systems. It is designed to fit vintage-styled guitars but can also complement modern instruments.
   - **Wilkinson Branding**: Wilkinson is a reputable name in guitar hardware, known for producing reliable, high-quality components, and this bridge lives up to their standards with excellent attention to detail.

### 2. **Materials and Construction**
   - **Solid Construction**: The Wilkinson MX1790GD is constructed from high-grade materials that provide longevity and performance. The gold-plated steel base plate and saddles ensure both durability and tonal stability, making it a solid choice for professional musicians.
   - **Adjustable Saddles**: The bridge comes with adjustable saddles that allow for precise intonation and string height adjustments. This helps to enhance tuning stability and offers the guitarist full control over their instrument's setup.
   - **Brass Block**: The tremolo block is made from brass, which contributes to a warmer and more resonant tone. The use of brass also enhances sustain, giving players a richer sound when using the tremolo arm.

### 3. **Performance and Functionality**
   - **Smooth Tremolo Action**: One of the standout features of the MX1790GD is its smooth tremolo operation. The bridge allows for subtle pitch bends and dive bombs without compromising tuning stability, a common issue with lower-quality tremolo systems.
   - **Stable Tuning**: Thanks to Wilkinson’s meticulous engineering, this tremolo bridge offers excellent tuning stability, even with aggressive use. The combination of solid construction, brass block, and adjustable saddles ensures the guitar stays in tune after using the tremolo.
   - **6-Screw Vintage Mount**: The traditional 6-screw mount provides excellent contact with the guitar body, contributing to better resonance and sustain. The screws are well-aligned for a smooth pivot, which improves the overall tremolo action.
   
### 4. **Compatibility**
   - **Fits Vintage and Modern Guitars**: The MX1790GD is designed to replace vintage-style tremolo bridges but is also compatible with many modern guitar models. It's ideal for guitars with a 6-screw mounting system and is a great upgrade for instruments that use standard vintage-style tremolos.
   - **Easy Installation**: The bridge comes with all necessary mounting hardware, making it relatively simple to install for those with basic guitar setup experience.

### 5. **Tone and Sound Quality**
   - **Enhanced Sustain**: The brass tremolo block is key to the MX1790GD’s impressive sustain. When combined with the steel base plate, the bridge offers a full, resonant tone with pronounced low-end and clear highs.
   - **Resonance**: The gold-plated bridge adds brightness to the sound, complementing the overall tone of guitars, particularly those made of warmer tonewoods like mahogany or alder.
   - **Versatile Tone**: This tremolo bridge is suitable for various playing styles, from subtle vibrato effects in blues and jazz to heavier tremolo usage in rock or metal. Its tonal versatility makes it a favorite among players across genres.

### 6. **Price and Value**
   - **Affordable High-End Component**: Despite its premium look and performance, the Wilkinson MX1790GD is often more affordable than other high-end tremolo systems, making it a great value for those seeking an upgrade without breaking the bank.
   - **Long-Term Investment**: The bridge’s durability and performance mean it will last for years, making it a smart investment for any guitarist looking to improve their instrument’s functionality and tone.

### Conclusion
The Wilkinson MX1790GD tremolo bridge in gold finish is an excellent choice for guitarists who want a high-quality, vintage-style tremolo system with modern performance. Its beautiful gold finish, solid construction, smooth action, and impressive sustain make it ideal for both professional and amateur players. Whether upgrading a vintage guitar or adding some flair to a modern build, this bridge offers great value and superior performance.

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