Whiptail is a lightweight CNC-machined compensated wraparound bridge family built around three different stud-angle geometries. Each version combines a fixed six-string compensation contour with two end-mounted screws for final bass- and treble-side bridge positioning.
The decisive choice is the guitar's actual stud arrangement. Whiptail II, Classic and 50 are three geometry solutions, not three quality levels.
In Brief
- CNC-machined from solid EN AW-7075 aluminum; approximately 30 g.
- II, Classic and 50 match different stud-angle classes.
- Two 6-32 carbon-steel end screws fine-tune the complete bridge position; they do not independently intonate six strings.
- 82.55 mm / 3 1/4 in stud-center spacing and nominal 12-inch radius.
- Select by actual stud geometry and compatible stud heads — not guitar model, year or visual similarity alone.
Product Overview
Feature | Whiptail |
Architecture | One-piece compensated wraparound bridge |
Body material | CNC-machined EN AW-7075 aluminum |
Versions | Whiptail II · Classic · 50 |
Stud-center spacing | 82.55 mm / 3 1/4 in |
Radius | Nominal 12 in |
Reference weight | Approximately 30 g |
Whiptail preserves the compact one-piece wraparound principle. Instead of adding six movable saddles, KMS matches the fixed compensation contour to the guitar's mounting geometry and uses two end screws for final overall positioning.
How Whiptail Compensation Works
The installed angle of a wraparound bridge is determined by the relative position of its two studs. That angle already creates part of the bass-to-treble speaking-length difference before the bridge's own compensation contour is considered.
Whiptail therefore combines two levels of adjustment:
- Fixed CNC-machined compensation geometry — establishes the relative speaking-length pattern across all six strings.
- Two end-mounted intonation screws — move the bass and treble ends of the complete bridge for final positioning on the guitar.
The end screws cannot independently move A, D, G or B. If the outer strings can be intonated but the middle-string relationship remains systematically wrong, the selected compensation type may not match the guitar's stud angle.
Choosing Whiptail II, Classic or 50
Choose the version from the line connecting the two stud centers when viewed from above.
Version | Stud arrangement | Bridge-angle direction |
Whiptail II | Straight or nearly straight stud line | Low installed bridge angle |
Whiptail Classic | Moderately offset stud line | Common moderate wraparound angle |
Whiptail 50 | Strong bass-to-treble stud offset | Steep vintage-style angle |
Whiptail II
Use II when both studs sit at nearly the same distance from the nut and the complete bridge lies almost perpendicular to the strings. In this geometry, the bridge's machined contour creates most of the required relative compensation.
Whiptail Classic
Use Classic for the familiar moderate wraparound angle, where the stud arrangement already contributes a visible but not extreme amount of bass-to-treble compensation.
Whiptail 50
Use 50 for strongly angled vintage-style stud arrangements. Because the installed bridge angle already creates a substantial speaking-length difference, its fixed contour is designed around that geometry.
There is no universal industry angle separating the three classes. A perpendicular top-view photo and direct measurements of the actual stud centers are more reliable than model lists or production-year assumptions.
7075 Aluminum, Tone & Construction
Every Whiptail body is CNC-machined from solid EN AW-7075 aluminum. The material allows the one-piece bridge to remain light while maintaining stable stud interfaces, precise string passages and a repeatable six-string compensation contour.
At approximately 30 g, the intended KMS Whiptail direction combines:
- Fast response
- Clarity and strong string separation
- Airiness and harmonic richness
- Depth
- Long, warm sustain
- Full but open note development
The design does not pursue low mass at the expense of note body. The material, one-piece architecture and compensation geometry work as one mechanical system.
CNC machining is particularly important here because the fixed upper contact contour itself defines the relative intonation pattern; there are no six independent saddles available to correct an inaccurate profile later.
Compatibility and Mounting
Before ordering, confirm all of the following:
- Approximately 82.55 mm / 3 1/4 in stud-center spacing.
- The stud angle matches II, Classic or 50.
- The bridge-facing stud-head geometry fits the Whiptail hooks.
- The existing studs and anchors are mechanically stable and provide sufficient height adjustment.
- The guitar's scale position and nominal 12-inch radius relationship are suitable.
Whiptail is designed around common wraparound stud-head directions associated with 5/16-24 US-style and M8 metric systems, but the threads are not interchangeable. Thread compatibility with the anchor and physical compatibility between the Whiptail and the stud head are two separate checks.
Existing studs can remain when they are correctly spaced, stable, undamaged and compatible with the bridge. Secure anchors should not be removed merely because the bridge is being replaced.
KMS Vintage Studs and anchors are available for selected installations where replacement is actually required.
Finishes and Options
The standard Whiptail finish direction is electrolytic nickel. Depending on the selected product direction, additional options include:
- Aged nickel
- 24k gold
- Aged gold
- Black DLC as a made-to-order surface
Optional CRYO treatment is a separate material-conditioning choice and does not change the compensation type, mounting geometry or radius.
Technical Specifications
Feature | Specification |
Architecture | Compensated one-piece wraparound bridge |
Body material | CNC-machined EN AW-7075 aluminum |
Versions | Whiptail II · Whiptail Classic · Whiptail 50 |
Stud-center spacing | 82.55 mm / 3 1/4 in |
Nominal radius | 12 in |
Reference weight | Approximately 30 g |
Body dimensions | 101.6 × 17.8 × 12.5 mm |
Intonation screws | Carbon steel · 6-32 UNC · two end-mounted screws |
Common stud directions | 5/16-24 and M8, subject to bridge-facing stud-head compatibility |
Standard finish | Electrolytic nickel |
The fixed 12-inch bridge radius should be evaluated against the guitar's actual neck geometry, action, string gauges and playing requirements. Do not file the compensation contour in an attempt to create another radius or compensation type.
Installation and Setup
Install the correct Whiptail type only after stud spacing, stud-head fit and mounting angle have been confirmed. Final intonation is then set with the two end screws by positioning the bass and treble sides of the complete bridge.
For the full procedure, see:
Whiptail Installation and Setup →
FAQ
Are Whiptail II, Classic and 50 quality levels?
No. They are three different compensation geometries for different stud-angle classes.
Can I select the correct Whiptail from the guitar model or year?
Not reliably. Model information is useful context, but the current stud positions and bridge angle are decisive — especially on repaired or modified instruments.
Do the two end screws independently intonate all six strings?
No. They position the bass and treble ends of the complete bridge. The relative six-string compensation is built into the CNC-machined contour.
Can the end screws compensate for choosing the wrong Whiptail version?
No. They provide final adjustment within the intended geometry; they do not transform II, Classic and 50 into one another.
Does every bridge with 82.55 mm stud spacing fit?
No. Stud-head geometry, anchor thread, bridge height, scale position and the stud angle must also be compatible.
Are 5/16-24 and M8 studs interchangeable?
No. They are different thread systems. The correct stud must match its anchor.
Does a 30 g aluminum bridge necessarily sound thin?
No. Whiptail is specifically designed around low-mass 7075 construction while retaining depth, harmonic richness and warm sustain as part of its intended response direction.
Can the 12-inch radius or compensation contour be reshaped by filing?
No. Both are part of the finished CNC geometry. Filing the contact contour changes the intended radius and intonation relationship.