Incoming NGD... Stratty Content!

[Mincer]

One more update/change to this one. The saddle adjustment screws on the Fender Standard bridge were simply too tall and dug in to my hand. I filed them back some to smooth the tops but it wasn't enough so I swapped them out for 8mm M3 on the A, B, and both E strings. The D and G strings are 10mm M3 stock but I swapped them out anyway for stainless 10mm M3 from the same place. I got some 6mm M3 with the intent to use those for both E strings but with the action set the way it is, and it's not really high, they were too short. I got all 3 sizes in bags of 12 so no worries. It feels much better resting my hand on the bridge now.

I ordered them from Overdrive Custom Guitar Works in case anyone needs any for this bridge and other import Fender bridges.
https://www.stratcat.biz/m3-saddleheight.shtml

This is a common problem, especially for people with 'pronated' arm position, like me. Chews up my hand.

 

[FuseG4]

Love it! Glad to see you're making it your own and good to know about bridge fitting options!
those screws never chewed my hand though, it's weird how different players can be and subtle hand position differences can make you feel quite different about a guitar feature!

 

[UnderTheFlame83]

The Graph Tech string saver saddles work great, too. I got them on a few guitars. They don't bother your hand. Can't feel them at all.

 

[Mincer]

The Graph Tech string saver saddles work great, too. I got them on a few guitars. They don't bother your hand. Can't feel them at all.

This is exactly how I solve that problem, too.

 

[ErikH]

The Graph Tech saddles are nice. I have another bridge (a GFS with steel block and same spacing that I forgot I had before ordering the Fender Standard bridge) that I put those style saddles on. For this guitar I want to keep the vintage style saddles. I actually prefer those. I've got 2 Strat builds with the Gotoh 6-screw bridge that I love. Sadly, that bridge is only available in wide spacing.

Changing the bridge definitely changed the tone to be more focused and not as "wild" as it can be with the smaller block bridge. Changing the height screws, with the action set as it was before, the stainless steel makes it feel a little more solid. Didn't think it’d feel any different but there is something there, as little as it may be. More in how I feel the strings vibrate. More of a true ring.

I honestly wouldn't mind the candy apple red and sunburst colors of this model. I'd do the same thing though with the candy apple red, it almost screams to be hotrodded with a Lil' Screamin' Demon in the bridge, upgraded bridge with Graph Tech saddles, and locking tuners.

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Nice!!!