Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE            RUBIES:  Finally…Real substance, real flash!

January 2006
Erickson Design Associates Introduces Theory “Z” Nut and Bridge Systems!
Revolutionary, Patented” RUBY” and “SAPPHIRE” Saddles

for stringed instruments! 

While rubies and sapphire have long been sought after for their beauty and brilliance, Erickson Design Associates (EDA) now brings their infamous allure to the guitar with remarkably dramatic improvements to sound quality.  Gary Erickson, inventor and chief design engineer at EDA describes the breakthrough of using precious stones on guitar bridges and nuts this way.  “Not since the advent of the humbucking pickup has a breakthrough this big happened to the guitar world!  Our patented practice of utilizing Rubies or Sapphires at the bridge and nut of a stringed instrument, such as a guitar, represents a revolutionary  approach because it solves some of the most significant problems found in stringed instruments today, namely the lack of sustain, frequency loss and poor instrument resonance, all of which have been labored over for centuries.” Just as the lens of a telescope gathers light and focuses it into your eye, the Theory “Z” ruby and sapphire component parts gather the energy from the string's vibratory forces, and focus it into the instrument. This fundamental difference allows for 1) The retention of greater energy within the string resulting in greater sustain and effortless harmonics virtually over the entire fingerboard, and 2) The instantaneous transference of more energy throughout the entire instrument resulting in greater total frequency response, depth and character to your sound.  This is true whether the Theory “Z” components are applied to an inexpensive acoustic or a high tech, recording quality, jazz arch top guitar.  The Theory “Z” enhancement is remarkable and immediately apparent, making good guitars sound great, and great guitars sound even more spectacular and in a class of their own!

Custom guitar maker Peter Dragge of Dragga Guitars, tells the story of one of his first experiences utilizing the Ruby and Sapphire bridge/nut systems. After a custom guitar he made with a traditional bridge/nut system was rejected by Davey Johnstone (guitarist for Elton John), Peter told Davey that his friends at Erickson Design Associates may have a solution and asked if he would be willing to try something new.  He agreed.  One week later Erickson returned the guitar to him with an integrated Ruby Bridge and Nut System installed.  After only one hour, Peter received a call from Davey….not only was he now adamant about purchasing the guitar, but he now had every intention of taking it as his main instrument for his upcoming tour!  The Theory “Z” difference was really quite impressive!!!  Some of the other artists that have been utilizing under an experimental use agreement, the Theory “Z” Bridge and Nut systems on their instruments include Bob Weir, Dennis Agajanian, Mark Bonilla and the late Jerry Garcia.

The Theory “Z” Bridge Designs include Ruby and Sapphire embedded direct replacement components for standard Gibson and Fender style bridges, and most popular tremolo systems such as Fender, Floyd Rose, Wilkinson, etc.  Erickson explains, "The Theory “Z” Bridge designs can be utilized on most stringed instruments with the simple exchange of a mounting bracket." 

The Theory “Z” ruby or sapphire embedded Nut Designs directly replace traditional bone style designs or locking nut designs in a variety of ways.  “One of our Theory “Z” Nut systems incorporates individual height adjustment, string width adjustment AND intonation adjustment. What this means is that with our system, you can use traditional intonation or quickly and easily change over to the Buzz Feiten intonation system in minutes!!!” This innovation by itself is causing quite a stir internationally!

While initial designs focus on the guitar market, future designs will incorporate this revolutionary technology on all stringed instruments, from violins to grand pianos! As stated in our currents patents, EDA is persuing additional application of this technology on other adjustible and, or fixed bearing surfaces of a stringed musical instruments, such as, frets, string trees, tuners, tail pieces, ferells, and fingerboards. Erickson is very emphatic that in the near future, “If it doesn’t have rubies on it, your stringed instrument is not complete!”   With over 100 new and innovative products, based on our current patents, Eickson Design Associates is currently seeking contacts to develop marketing / manufacturing and research / development relationships, joint ventures, licensing, and direct investment to meet the ever growing demand.  Further information and details of this new and revolutionary Ruby bridge and Nut system can be viewed online at http://www.ericksonguitars.com.  Based in Fountain Valley, California, Erickson Design Associates has 35 years experience specializing in developing ground breaking products and custom guitars and basses for the discriminating musician.

Nut and Bridge Components
For Stringed Instruments

This is just one of many US and International utility or
designed patents granted and, or pending
by Steve Wolff and Gary Erickson.
US5986190: String bearing and tremolo device method and
apparatus for stringed musical instrument