Bridge replacement suggestions for a Fender Standard Tele (MIM)

[tremoloman]

I'm replacing the body on my Black & Chrome Squier with a Fender MIM model. The bridge measures 2-9/16" from center of first hole to center of last hole. I would like to upgrade the bridge to an ashtray style w/compensated brass saddles that will fit without modification.

Any suggestions?

I've found this Fender model but want to see what other options are available before I purchase one.

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Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!

Best regards,
Trem

 

[kerc]

My MIM Tele has an wAllParts with compensated saddlesnit. It's thicker than the Fender unit. I A/B'ed them and the AllParts gives a thicker tone, while the Fender unit gives more twang. And the intonation is of course more accurate. So it's basically a matter of taste.

Here's a stock pic of it, $37.39 at GuitarPartsResource.com.

 

[tremoloman]

Kerc, thank you for the reply. I'm definately after more twang as I'm trying to get it to sound as close to my old American Standard I used to own a couple years ago. I've got American Standard pickups in it along with a Highway 1 wiring assembly complete with Greasebucket circuit.

Thanks! I couldn't find it at first but now I managed to see the one you got. Very tempting!

I wonder how the Wilkinson compares as it is roughly the same price.

My MIM Tele has an wAllParts with compensated saddles in it. It's thicker than the Fender unit. I A/B'ed them and the AllParts gives a thicker tone, while the Fender unit gives more twang. And the intonation is of course more accurate. So it's basically a matter of taste.

Here's a stock pic of it, $37.39 at GuitarPartsResource.com.

 

[kerc]

GuitarPartsResource has a lot of good stuff at great prices, but their website is kinda odd. Click here to see the AllParts Tele bridges page. The intonation is pretty accurate--I set my intonation not by the 12th-fret harmonic, but rather by pressing the fret with normal pressure, and the notes are right on, even with my flat-topped frets.

I learned two things when I swapped bridges: 1) It's amazing how much the sound of Telecasters changes by swapping the bridge...it's almost like pickup swapping. 2) Thinner plate brings definitely more twang, and it's not a subjective thing--it's quite noticeable. I think Fender makes the thinnest plates right now.

The Wilkinson unit looks pretty thin too, and they have a nice unique way to get the intonation right.

Here's the link at their website. Guitarfetish sells these ones too for about $8 less, but they're out of stock...And I don'tknow if you can find it cheaper elsewhere.

 

[tremoloman]

Thanks for the insight Kerc... I'll be going for a thin plate then since I really want some serious twang. Now I'm just torn between the Wilkinson and the stocker. I can get a new Wilkinson for $25 so I'm leaning that way right now. I'll let you know once I decide and get it all put back together.

 

[Dauntless]

I replaced the bridge on my Lite Ash with a stock Fender bridge plate and the brass compensated saddles found at RS Guitarworks.
Saddles found here

http://www.rsguitarworks.net/rsstore/product_info.php?cPath=32_51&products_id=288

Bridge plate found here

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-Vintage-Tele-Bridge-Plate?sku=361323

I put one of the Wilkinsons on a Squier Standard, with a little modification and I think it's fine

View attachment 1058

 

[duhvoodooman]

I bought a Fender steel 3-saddle bridge on eBay from THESE GUYS, and a set of brass compensated saddles from THIS SELLER. Total cost (before shipping) came to a bit over $35. Works great, intonates well.

Trem, FYI, HERE is a link to the Glendale webpage, with some good info on how different saddle metals affect tone. If you want max. twang, you might want to consider something other than brass....

 

[tremoloman]

Thanks for all the help guys! Man... I'm so torn which way to go. All your choices look sweet! I dig the vintage look but would like to have proper intonation. I think I may go for a mix of all of the above.

Keep on twangin'...

 

[tremoloman]

Well I found one on eBay that had both of what I wanted:
A Fender bridge plate with compensated saddles that look like the stockers.

I'll post some pics, clips, etc. one I get this installed.

With the Electron Blue body and Black Squier Tele headstock, I think the name 'Black N Blue' will fit just right.

 

[kerc]

Perfect!

By the way, I found that I have a spare Fender original plate. I'm not gonna use it--you want it for free?