Tele bridge saddles

[deftgala]

i am contemplating replacing the 6-saddle bridge in my tele. I read an article here on the SD website with Jerry Donahue who mentioned a 3-saddle bridge is a better choice of a saddle. Personally, I like my 6-saddle but am curious to know if a tele would improve with the 3-saddle bridge.

Here is my main problem. Initially, the guitar stayed in tune for days, sometimes weeks (literally, no joke). But the action was too close to the fret board and the string buzzes interfered with my tone. I use the Duncan '53 Antiquity set. Since then, I've raised the strings and adjusted each individual bridge saddle but the guitar's intonation is off and the guitar doesn't stay in tune like it used to. It's pretty bad actually. I use .10-.52 GHS Boomer strings. I am going to take it in to the local "guitar set-up man."

two questions:

1) what are the major differences between a 3-saddle bridge and a 6-saddle bridge? which one do you use and do you like it?

2) what gauge strings work best on a tele? how close are your pickups raised to the strings?

this is me = :disappoin and this is my tele = :blackeye:

 

[Curly]

Re: Tele bridge saddles

deftgala,
well, first I'd suggest getting your current one intonated before you change bridges. You could do it easily with a small screw driver and a decent tuner.
Raising the saddles usually requires a little adjustment on the intonation, and maybe a small tweak of the truss rod, since they are all inter related.

those players who like the 3 piece saddle say that the extra mass and the brass composition of the saddles give you better tone and sustain

string guage is really a personal preference

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Tele bridge saddles

I changed the 6 saddle bridge of my James Burton Tele to a three saddle bridge with three Danny Gatton style angled/compensated brass saddles and I felt the tone improved and had more of a early 50's vibe: Thicker and less steely. However, when I sold the guitar I put the old 6 saddle bridge back on and the guitar still sounded great: brighter but very lively and still totally satisfying. The guy I sold the guitar to loves it! Lew

 

[Boston Joe]

Re: Tele bridge saddles

Well, no matter how compensated a three piece saddle system is, it will never be as precise as six saddles for individual adjustment of intonation. But, you will have better coupling with the three piece-- the guitar will have more punch, especially with brass. For maximum effect, use heavier strings. 11's on a Tele is the way to go.

 

[Hellion]

Re: Tele bridge saddles

I know there are those that really like the 3 piece barrel style saddle arrangement on a Tele, but I like the 6 saddle system, mainly for the intonation adjustment. As far as string guages, Teles seem to benefit from heavier guages. I use a stainless steel 10-52 set on the Bastardcaster and it twangs quite well.

 

[Butch Snyder]

Re: Tele bridge saddles

I used to believe all the stuff abdout saddles and steel vs. brass vs. 6 vs. 3 and so on...

After using all of the many flavors and knowing pro players who use all of them, I don't go for all the hype of it all. Sure, if you want a vintage-looking Tele, go for the ashtray bridge and brass saddles. Brent Mason and Johnny Hinad both use American Standard bridges and have fantastic tone....