Brass saddles for an American series Tele

[smudger123]

I have just got a US Tele, and was thinking of fitting a 52 RI bridge but on closer inspection I realised I couldn't because the american series tele bridge has 3 screws anchoring it to the body rather than the 4 in a vintage tele bridge. So rather than modify the body to accept the 52 RI bridge I was wondering if I could get brass saddles to fit the existing bridge. It's a modern US bridge and the saddles fitted are stainless steel..

The only replacements I've found on the net are graphtech string saver or tusq. Anyone know anywhere that sells brass saddles that would fit? Alternatively a 52 style bridge with 3 anchoring screws to fit a modern tele would do.

[Philly Q]

I have an American Ash Tele which has the American style bridge but, supposedly, the saddles are brass rather than powdered steel (I say "supposedly" because they're heavily chromed so it's hard to tell).  I don't know if you can buy the bridge or saddles separately though.

They're not cheap, but Callaham do a Tele bridge with vintage-style brass saddles to fit American Standard/American series Teles:

It's about halfway down the "Tele Parts" page:

http://www.callahamguitars.com/

[lulusg]

Hi there. These guys at RS Guitarworks sell the brass saddles, you may also give them a call to get the technical information you need or e-mail them. Good luck

[HTH AMPS]

The whole steel ashtray bridges affects the Tele tone as well (supposedly).  I do know that my Tele sounded much fatter/rounded when I installed the USA bridge with brass saddles.

Whats the big deal about redrilling the body for the screw layout on the USA bridge?  Appart from anything else, the ashtray design looks a million times cooler.

 :twisted:

[Philly Q]

Whats the big deal about redrilling the body for the screw layout on the USA bridge?  Appart from anything else, the ashtray design looks a million times cooler.

2 problems there, unfortunately:

1. The string spacing on a vintage bridge is wider, so the string holes wouldn't match up.

2. The mounting screws for the Am Std bridge are behind the string holes, so the ashtray bridge wouldn't cover the screw holes.

[smudger123]

I have an American Ash Tele which has the American style bridge but, supposedly, the saddles are brass rather than powdered steel (I say "supposedly" because they're heavily chromed so it's hard to tell).  I don't know if you can buy the bridge or saddles separately though.

They're not cheap, but Callaham do a Tele bridge with vintage-style brass saddles to fit American Standard/American series Teles:

It's about halfway down the "Tele Parts" page:

http://www.callahamguitars.com/

Thanks Philly that looks ideal, shame about the price though, plus it's nickel and the rest of the Am series hardware is chrome (you'd think they'd cotten on to this as the bridge is specifically for the Am Series?) Happy to pay that price as the exchange rate is great right now over $2 = £1   :D

The only alternative I can see is keeping my eye out (flea bay?) for a deluxe bridge with chrome brass saddles but that wont look as cool  8)

[Philly Q]

plus it's nickel and the rest of the Am series hardware is chrome (you'd think they'd cotten on to this as the bridge is specifically for the Am Series?)

Yeah, I know what you mean, I don't like mixing nickel and chrome hardware on the same guitar either.  :(

It's OK on vintage-style Strats because there's always been that mix, but anything with modern hardware I want all-chrome or all-nickel.

On the plus side, I'm sure the Callaham bridge will give you a much better vintage-style tone.  My Fender bridge may be made of "vintage" materials (steel plate, brass saddles) but the thick baseplate stops it sounding very vintagey at all really.

[HTH AMPS]

Whats the big deal about redrilling the body for the screw layout on the USA bridge?  Appart from anything else, the ashtray design looks a million times cooler.

2 problems there, unfortunately:

1. The string spacing on a vintage bridge is wider, so the string holes wouldn't match up.

2. The mounting screws for the Am Std bridge are behind the string holes, so the ashtray bridge wouldn't cover the screw holes.

trust Fender to screw with perfection - why f*ck with the ashtray bridge?  :?

[Philly Q]

Must admit I've only actually owned modern-style Teles, although I acknowledge you need the ashtray bridge for "true" Tele tone.

I'll get something more vintage-style one day.