Is the width of the bridge the same on all Srat or is not?

[Geza]

A quote from this website:
http://www.kinman.com/html/toneWorkshop/perfectGuitar.htm

"...But also beware of some "Made in Mexico, Taiwan and China Strats" as some of these have a bridge that look similar to the Traditional type but actually have a very narrow string spacing that will not be compatible with most all brands of Strat pickups. (The poles will mis-align with the strings and you won't be able to upgrade the pickups to most popular brand, but Kinman's are OK because of the narrow spaced neck pickup). The traditional width between the two E strings on the bridge saddles is 56mm or 2.2 inches and the narrow bridges it's more like 52 or 53mm."

So, what do you guys think? Does someone know specifically if the MIM strats have narrower bridge (of any year model or all)?

I am considering buying an MIM Strat this weekend but if I find out that the bridge is not the same size as the MIA then I will reconsider this purchase.

Geza

P.s.: By the way, I do recommend you guys to check out Kinman's website it is like a free university of guitar related stuff:
http://www.kinman.com

 

[Zerberus]

Re: Is the width of the bridge the same on all Srat or is not?

There are about 4 slightly varying strat bridge spacings..... IIRC there´s the USA spacing, the Fender Import spacing, and at least 2 other spacings used on various other imports ... of these the USA Fender is the widest AFAIK

 

[Geza]

Re: Is the width of the bridge the same on all Srat or is not?

And what do you think how much does it matter if the pickup that you install in your Strat matches your bridge?

I mean, what does it matter how far the magnet is off the string above it? Is it going to give you a noticable different sound?

Geza

 

[Zerberus]

Re: Is the width of the bridge the same on all Srat or is not?

I personally think I hear a difference between Trembuckers and normal humbuckers, and even on USA strats I sometimes find the e strings a bit weak on the neck PU.... Tonally it´s not a real issue, I percieve it as more of an output / string balance issue, and I think it matters.

Side note: I wish I still had those soundclips of an SH-5 vs a TB-5 in the same guitar

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Is the width of the bridge the same on all Srat or is not?

I personally think I hear a difference between Trembuckers and normal humbuckers, and even on USA strats I sometimes find the e strings a bit weak on the neck PU.... Tonally it´s not a real issue, I percieve it as more of an output / string balance issue, and I think it matters.

Zerb's 100% correct. If the high E string isn't over the polepiece I can hear it sounding noticeably weaker than it should sound. Also, if the high E string is not over the polepiece I can hear it get louder when I bend the high E string and pull it over the polepiece where it belongs.

The Tom Anderson that I worked on this week had a regular JB as the bridge pickup...in this case the high E was not centered over the polepiece but it was at least over the edge of it...and it sounded fine.

lew

 

[Geza]

Re: Is the width of the bridge the same on all Srat or is not?

Thank you all for the detailed replies, since I care for detailes, I decided to shell out the bucks for an American Strat, so that if I am not happy with its pups, I don't have to worry about pup sizes. (I am sure, I will enjoy other benefits of an MIA Strat too.

Geza