Graphtech Saddles for TOM Bridge

[Jay 77]

Hey guys I could use some advice. Up until recently I'd broken maybe one string in about a decade and over the past month or two I've broken three, all in the same spot but on different strings. They're all blowing up right at the bridge. I have some questions about Graphtech saddles:

1. Do they really make a difference in tone & sustain?
2. Is string breakage reduced significantly?
3. Rather than going straight to Graphtech, is there somewhere I can go for less $$$?

Thanks!

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: Graphtech Saddles for TOM Bridge

Hey guys I could use some advice. Up until recently I'd broken maybe one string in about a decade and over the past month or two I've broken three, all in the same spot but on different strings. They're all blowing up right at the bridge. I have some questions about Graphtech saddles:

1. Do they really make a difference in tone & sustain?
2. Is string breakage reduced significantly?
3. Rather than going straight to Graphtech, is there somewhere I can go for less $$$?

Thanks!

1) Yes. It rounds off the highend a touch, but I haven't found a large difference in sustain (unless the original nut/bridge saddles were so off that it was stopping the strings from resonating).

2) Yes. Graphite is pretty slick so strings feed through easier.

3) Just go with Graphtech. It's tried, it's true - just spend the money and get it done with rather than going with some odd brand.

 

[Jay 77]

Re: Graphtech Saddles for TOM Bridge

1) Yes. It rounds off the highend a touch, but I haven't found a large difference in sustain (unless the original nut/bridge saddles were so off that it was stopping the strings from resonating).

2) Yes. Graphite is pretty slick so strings feed through easier.

3) Just go with Graphtech. It's tried, it's true - just spend the money and get it done with rather than going with some odd brand.

Thanks man.... I wasn't thinking of an off brand, I just meant that if they were cheaper somewhere other than Graphtech's site I'd get them from there.

 

[lex666]

Re: Graphtech Saddles for TOM Bridge

Hey guys I could use some advice. Up until recently I'd broken maybe one string in about a decade and over the past month or two I've broken three, all in the same spot but on different strings. They're all blowing up right at the bridge. I have some questions about Graphtech saddles:

1. Do they really make a difference in tone & sustain?
2. Is string breakage reduced significantly?
3. Rather than going straight to Graphtech, is there somewhere I can go for less $$$?

Thanks!

1. not that I've noticed...
2. yes, that is a definite. Especially on TOM type bridges/saddles.
3. dunno, try searchin' the net brah...

 

[Bludave]

Re: Graphtech Saddles for TOM Bridge

Hey guys I could use some advice. Up until recently I'd broken maybe one string in about a decade and over the past month or two I've broken three, all in the same spot but on different strings. They're all blowing up right at the bridge. I have some questions about Graphtech saddles:

1. Do they really make a difference in tone & sustain?
2. Is string breakage reduced significantly?
3. Rather than going straight to Graphtech, is there somewhere I can go for less $$$?

Thanks!

I am a firm believer in graphite saddles. I have them on many of my electrics, but before you invest in anything attempt to "deburr" the saddles in the guitar first. All you need to doo is get some fine grit emory paper (1500). Fold it so it will fit in the slot where the string goes and slide it back and fourth. Then I like to takes some 0000 steel wool and run that through the slot also. Restring it and see what happens. If its better and your not breaking any more strings then your done. If the proble persists then you might have to buy a set of graph tech saddles. On every guitar I have them my string breakibng issue is gone. They work & they work well.

 

[The Golden Boy]

Re: Graphtech Saddles for TOM Bridge

I changed all my saddles on all my guitars to the Graph Tech saddles.

1. I *think* I noticed a bit of difference in the tone on my Telecaster. I don't know if it really did. My biggest improvement (aside from string breakage) is that the guitars stay in tune much longer.

2. Yes, string breakage is reduced exponentially.

3. Call Graph Tech to find out what saddles you need- they're really helpful. Order them from somewhere else like Stew Mac. Much, much much less expensive.