Vintage size, modern features?

[WolfmanWill17]

I've had a love-hate relationship with the bridge on my Fender Highway One HSS Strat. On one hand, it played very well, with the vibrato being very expressive, easy to control, and relatively stable in terms of intonation. But, there is one specific thing about it that I HATE: the bridge saddles.

Fender used the 6-hole "vintage" trem on this specific model, as well as the American Special, which features the old-timey bent metal saddles. From the get-go, I thought these were inferior to the saddles on the American Standard, or any 2-point trem, which have that lovely solid construction to them. I'd like to switch the saddles out for the other style, but, I'm worried about the fit.

I know the American Standard uses a wider spacing, but, I'm wondering if anyone's heard of an aftermarket part that can fit the vintage-style bridge. I kind of have to do it on the cheap-cheap, too, because, well, I graduate high school in a week.

Thanks, everyone!

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Vintage size, modern features?

First, there are two six-hole bridges that Fender uses. Are you sure it is the 2-1/16" one, not the 2-3/16" one?

You can get the more "blocky" saddles at Guitar Parts Resource for $18.99 plus shipping. They're part number BP-2333-010.

Graph Tech also make several models that fit the 2-1/6" bridges. You can get them in the String Saver, Ferraglide, or Tusq varieties. But you're looking at $50 to $65 a set with the Graph tech stuff.

You can also get Callaham bent steel saddles. They're basically a "good" version of what's already on your bridge, for about $40 a set.

 

[J E C]

Re: Vintage size, modern features?

I under stand were your coming from on that one, they do seem cheap. There are a lot of people feel that they impart a certain quality to the tone of a vintage stile Strat though. There is no right or wrong, just what ever turn your crank