Hello folks,

I recently bought a ~2006 U.S. hardtail Strat. I prefer the look of the vintage or new-in-2008 bent and stamped bridge saddles. Can I either:

1) Buy the saddles and retrofit them on my existing stock hardtail bridge;
2) Buy the complete vintage-style bridge assembly (i.e. PN 0060068000) and install that without further modification (i.e. will the string and screw holes all line up?).

I have been given conflicting answers to these questions and I'm hoping that someone here can help.

Thanks!
Fred

Note that the PN that I quoted was for a Mr. Gearhead Fender replacement part. I think the fender PN would be 0037592000, as in this:

http://www.fender.com/products//search. ... 0037592000

Fred

Hi fred.pantalone, welcome to the Forum.

I can't imagine why you'd swap out the entire bridge when you can just switch the saddles?

Just check that the replacement saddles you buy are the same width as the ones you currently have. Not all saddles are the same measurement: be a pain to buy a set and then find they're too wide. Any parts seller will be happy to advise you of that specification - if it is not already listed on their website.

Good luck - C

It's not the width of the saddles that's the problem, it's the location of the intonation screws. The '06 hardtail uses Am. Std. bridge saddles on a fixed baseplate. These saddles of course have the offset intonation screws. The vintage bent steel bridge saddles have centered intonation screws.

The whole bridge would have to be replaced. It should be a direct replacement, just make sure the baseplate uses the same number and spacing of the mounting screws (3 IIRC).

Hi tailgunner: that's not a problem. Check this page for example: just short of half way down you will find vintage style bent steel saddles with offset intonation screws:

http://www.callahamguitars.com/partsstr.htm

I'm sure the OP is long gone, but someone in his position just needs to check factors such as the width of the saddles and overall string spacing before ordering parts like this to get the right thing.

Cheers - C

No, I haven't gone anywhere... Thanks for these recent posts. The Callaham saddles are just what I was looking for.

Fred

Hi Fred: Good Lord, do you mean you've been sitting here since early May patiently awaiting that answer to your question?

Then I'm very glad I finally posted it for you: you're wait is over!

Good luck with your new saddles...

Cheers - C