Rule 9: Check Appointments For Functionality.

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Make sure that appointments suit your needs. Hardware is more than decorative. Tailpieces and bridges have changed much over the years, but many of the original designs are still around because they have stood the test of time.

Simple designs like one-piece tailpiece/bridges work fine, but a separate tailpiece allows adjustment. A string-through bridge puts more downward pressure on strings and keeps the action low.

An adjustable saddle such as Gibson's Tune-o-matic bridge allows adjustments for intonation by changing the length of the strings. This is especially useful when you want to change the gauge of your strings.