BEST FIXED BRIDGE FOR A STRAT?

M

Miget Kotla

New member
What is the highest quality fixed bridge for a Strat?
I see Floyd Rose has a titanium speed loader fixed bridge.
Anyone familiar with a higher quality fixed bridge?
Thanks for any tips!
Mike
 
Re: BEST FIXED BRIDGE FOR A STRAT?

I have a 2006 MIM Strat. Vintage Syncro . I screw the springs tight enuff so that the bridge doesn't float and rests on the body. That does the job for me. Still can use it for dives though.
 
Re: BEST FIXED BRIDGE FOR A STRAT?

The basic question is whether you want a high mass bridge or not. High mass bridges sound colder but have more sustain, light bridges (bent metal, usually string-through-body) will give you a more organic sound.

As far as high mass bridges are concerned I used to be a huge fan of the Schaller flatmounts (3d/rollers).

Also, string-through-body is a pain to install since putting in 6 completely evenly spaced, totally straight holes is not trivial.
 
Re: BEST FIXED BRIDGE FOR A STRAT?

JoyDivision24Hours said:
Are you replacing a bridge on an existing guitar, if so, what bridge is already routed for?
Click to expand...

I am building a custom fender and looking for the absolute best parts possible!
Thanks so much for any info you can share.
I'm not sure what the top fixed bridge is...

Mike
 
Re: BEST FIXED BRIDGE FOR A STRAT?

I've done about four string through scratch built bodies with mixed results using a drill press. The easiest to keep straight was basswood, then alder. The hardest was mahogony. Swamp ash kinda depended on were the grain pattern fell in. I didn't really care if the furrels were not perfectly aligned, as I think it leads to the character of a home made. If you do care about perfect alignment looks wise then go with the Schaller flat mount. A lot easier and any minor mis- alignments with the neck axis or pickups can be fixed.

On edit: You can also do the blocked trem thing using a vintage six point and trem route. Tighten down the springs and jam a piece of wood in between the block and the body. Many find the tone of this better than a true hard tail.
 
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Re: BEST FIXED BRIDGE FOR A STRAT?

uOpt said:
The basic question is whether you want a high mass bridge or not. High mass bridges sound colder but have more sustain, light bridges (bent metal, usually string-through-body) will give you a more organic sound.

As far as high mass bridges are concerned I used to be a huge fan of the Schaller flatmounts (3d/rollers).

Also, string-through-body is a pain to install since putting in 6 completely evenly spaced, totally straight holes is not trivial.
Click to expand...

You are right that's the basic question and I really appreciate the guidance. If possible could you explain "cold" and "warm" just a little bit more? I'm thinking light bridge right now based on what you wrote but want to ensure you are saying maybe "brighter" sound but not the same length of sustain?

Really appreciate it. And because someone else is building the guitar and I'm paying for it, I am most concerned about finding the best bridge available anywhere and not too worried about the installation on the custom strat.

Thanks!
 
Re: BEST FIXED BRIDGE FOR A STRAT?

Miget Kotla said:
What is the highest quality fixed bridge for a Strat?
I see Floyd Rose has a titanium speed loader fixed bridge.
Anyone familiar with a higher quality fixed bridge?
Thanks for any tips!
Mike
Click to expand...

Isn't that FR the one that uses those bullet end speedloader strings?
 
Re: BEST FIXED BRIDGE FOR A STRAT?

The nicest fixed bridge I've played is this one, Schaller Hannes. Probably has a bit less attack than a metal bridge but the saddles are separate and string tension couples them to the top of the guitar, giving you that woody tone; that's the theory of it, anyway. Wonderful feel on your palm.
623458_800.jpg
 
Re: BEST FIXED BRIDGE FOR A STRAT?

If your having the custom shop do it, then they won't have any problem drill straight holes. The best bridge will probably a the standard Strat Hard Tail piece with the strings anchored through the body. I think they look better than these big hunks of metal with fine tuners and such, and it's a hard tail. Simple clean design usually works best.

Fixed bridge can be a little tele sounding to some. If you want it more strat sounding then I would probably go with the blocked vintage trem.

Talk it over with the Luthier.
 
Re: BEST FIXED BRIDGE FOR A STRAT?

Callaham. Lots of harmonics. Not for everyone. Could also try 2tek. I've never heard one. Let me know if you love it.
 
Re: BEST FIXED BRIDGE FOR A STRAT?

I'd just get a Fender or Gotoh equivalent bridge.

The Schaller Hannes pictured above looks interesting - A beautiful piece of hardware.
 
Re: BEST FIXED BRIDGE FOR A STRAT?

If you already have a 6 hole tremolo buy a set of cast zinc saddles and put 4 or 5 springs on the tremolo. It may not be a fixed bridge, but under most circumstances it isn't going anywhere and shouldn't be robbing tone.
 
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