Traditional Tele Bridge vs. Newer Tele Bridge

Laughing Kookaburra

Laughing Kookaburra

New member
Hello! I'm seeking opinions re the trad three bridge saddle vs. the newer bridges w/six adjustable saddles in terms of intonation.

In short, can I get proper intonation w/the trad three saddle model? I use 10s, if that makes any difference.

I've had three Teles in the past w/the newer style bridges, no prob. I remember many yrs back playing a few trad bridge models, and the intonation was flawed. However, that may have been due to a poor set up.

I'm asking because I'm considering the purchase of a 52 RI Tele.

Opinions?
 
Re: Traditional Tele Bridge vs. Newer Tele Bridge

wilkenson make a compensated, adjustable 3 saddle tele bridge. with that one you def wont have a problem. all in all, i much prefer the 6 saddle version
 
Re: Traditional Tele Bridge vs. Newer Tele Bridge

scottish said:
wilkenson make a compensated, adjustable 3 saddle tele bridge. with that one you def wont have a problem. all in all, i much prefer the 6 saddle version
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+1 Me, too. With the traditional 3 saddle ashtray bridge intonation is an exercise in compromise -- it will never be spot on. You have to adjust it so that the intonation isn't too far off from one string to the next. All in all, my favorite (excepting expensive options such as Vintique) is the new bridge on the 2008 AmStd teles.
 
Re: Traditional Tele Bridge vs. Newer Tele Bridge

Depending on your string gauge (it does matter) you can get VERY close with compensated saddles but it'll never be dead on but keep in mind short of fanned frets, a buzz feiten nut or other such nonsence a guitar will LEVER be spot on in tune up and down the neck, you'll only ever be so close anyway. Now, all that said and FWIW, I think the advantages in tone with the 3 saddle bridge by far outweight the pros of being "more" in tune with a modern bridge...
 
Re: Traditional Tele Bridge vs. Newer Tele Bridge

Joe Barden or Callaham for the best vintage bridge?
 
Re: Traditional Tele Bridge vs. Newer Tele Bridge

most people who get a '52 like the vintage vibe of that guitar.

in that case, the best choice for getting good intonation is using angled compensated saddles, like those from StewMac, Callaham, Glendale, etc., or the 'straight pull' compensated saddles like wilkinson, Callaham, Budz, or R S Guitarworks. I got some of the R S G saddles recently, and they're well made, available in brass, steel, or aluminum, and only $10 a set.

I'd try compensated saddles to see if it works for you before going to a modern bridge.
that said, I have teles with modern and traditional/ compensated bridges, and they both sound good.
 
Re: Traditional Tele Bridge vs. Newer Tele Bridge

I have the Joe Barden bridge on my Tele and I find it a good compromise between vintage vibe and accurate intonation. Sounds good too.

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Re: Traditional Tele Bridge vs. Newer Tele Bridge

Do they make brass replacements for the modern style saddles? That might give you a good marriage of the the old and the new.
 
Re: Traditional Tele Bridge vs. Newer Tele Bridge

Howdy,

Great thread! I've got compensated Brass saddles from Stew-Mac on my Mahogany USACG Tele. It has a '52 RI bridge from Fender. I'm slightly disappointed with the intonation; a local Tele expert said that the intonation wasn't much of an improvement over regular straight saddles, fwiw.
This expert also told me that it's hit or miss with those three saddle bridges. I'd describe the intonation as excellent below the 12th fret-where I do 90% of my playing, anyway. I'm tempted to get some more compensated saddles and try them.

Eggman
 
Re: Traditional Tele Bridge vs. Newer Tele Bridge

sosomething said:
I have the Joe Barden bridge on my Tele and I find it a good compromise between vintage vibe and accurate intonation. Sounds good too.

picture.php
Click to expand...

That's the one I use and recommend. I have it on both of my Teles. My main Tele is a vintage '54 - a real one. But I keep the original bridge and pickups in the case and have installed the Barden pickups and the Barden bridge. I absolutely love it - it's one of the best guitars I've ever owned.

The Barden Tele bridge really improved the tone of my old '54 guitar. It's a heavier construction than the 54 year old original bridge of my '54 and the tone is more even, solid and beefy.

I also have the Barden bridge on my 80's MIJ Fender Tele Custom. It's a real cool candy apple red Tele with body binding on an alder body and is a copy of 60's Fender Tele Custom. I have Duncan Custom Shop Tele pickups in it: the Tele ala Strat neck pickup and the alnico 2 Tele Hot Tapped bridge pickup.

Lew
 
Re: Traditional Tele Bridge vs. Newer Tele Bridge

I use the wilkinson compensated 3 saddle - I have perfect intonation on 4/6 strings - the other 2 are so minorly out you have to be a complete audiophile to hear the difference & I dont care for that - tele's have a "who gives a S**t" attitude about them, down to the non perfect intonation, lack of flame maple or binding etc etc, usually worn finish & the image they get from heavy use in early rock & punk.
 
Re: Traditional Tele Bridge vs. Newer Tele Bridge

I use the Wilky bridge also. It's not exactly intonated spot on, but's it's close enough for the racket I make, and still retains the trad Tele tone.
 
Re: Traditional Tele Bridge vs. Newer Tele Bridge

Just out of curiosity.............

would one want to "match" tuners to the bridge?

Yes, the period perfect and modern stuff applies, but, what about "recipes"
for tone?

I ask because I'm wanting to match a Joe Barden bridge with
Hipshot locking tuners. I've used the tuners before, not too heavy,
but not used the bridge.

Salud, Will.
 
Re: Traditional Tele Bridge vs. Newer Tele Bridge

Thanks for all the replies!

It sounds like there in no need for me to be afraid of the three saddle bridge, since there are a number of after market models that are improvements. Which is good, I've been gassing over that 52RI that a friend has for sale...
 
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