Graphtech bridgeparts?

[Marathanz]

Hello everybody,

Since a couple of years I have graphtech bridgeparts on my Strat.
At the time I had my guitar refretted and a set of Duncan Surfers installed.
I remember I had some complaints about the original bridgeparts (think it had something to do with breaking too much strings, it seems logical, but I don't really remember clearly) and that's why my guitarguy recommended these graphtechs to me. Anyway, I really loved the improved pickup sound from the beginning, but there was something "stiff" about the attack of the sound as well, that was also audible even when the guitar was played unamplified.
I used to think it had probably something to do with the new fretwork and the guitar just needed to be "broken in" again. But this matter never improved and I'm sure it wasn't there before. It results in a kind of harsh, cold attack in the sound. Recently I've been wondering if it could have something to do with these "new" bridge parts.
It's true, I don't break strings again, but this impact it might have on the sound is irritating me more and more. By the way, it's a maple neck and fretboard. Does anybody have similar experiences with graphtech material?

Thanks in advance,

Marathanz

 

[Hellion]

Re: Graphtech bridgeparts?

Every Fender instrument that I own uses GraphTech saddles. I've had nothing but good luck with them, too. They don't break strings as much (I've still been known to shred the occasional D) and I like the tone, as well. I'm suspecting the "harsh, cold attack in the sound..." that you've been hearing is more inherant in the guitar itself. Eric Johnson once said that you can tell a lot about how a guitar is going to sound by the way they sound unplugged. Some Strats, he went on to explain, have a warmth and internal resonance of their own; others sound a bit colder. It's ones with the warmth that sound the best plugged in.

Is it possible that as you've been playing the instrument more, you're hearing things that you otherwise wouldn't have noticed? I don't think the problem lies in the saddles.

 

[Bludave]

Re: Graphtech bridgeparts?

I have 4 Strats & 4 Teles. All but one have Grapghtec saddles on them (My 52RI Tele has brass which is traditional). I love the tone & I can't remember when I broke a string. I have been using the graphtec saddles for over 10 years. I use them on all my Gibsons as well. I should also point out that I have only changed them when breaking strings has become a problem. I will attempt to buff out any burrs or nicks in the metal saddles first, but if the problem continues I swap out the original saddle for graphite. There is absolutely nothing worse than breaking a string in the middle of a nice slow bend. Its like getting slapped in the face when you are sleeping!

 

[Marathanz]

Re: Graphtech bridgeparts?

Thanks guys, for your replies.
I guess the "problem" I have must be caused by something else then, since both of you are really positive on the effect it has on the sound after all.

Cheers,


Marathanz

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: Graphtech bridgeparts?

There is absolutely nothing worse than breaking a string in the middle of a nice slow bend. Its like getting slapped in the face when you are sleeping!

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