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Post subject: Question on changing the bridge
Posted: Thu May 19, 2011 7:12 pm
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I have a MIM tele with the 6 saddle bridge. If I wanted to change it to a vintage 3 barrel bridge what do I have to do. Does it require redrilling the holes in the guitar or can I just unscrew the modern bridge and screw on the vintage bridge?


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Post subject: Re: Question on changing the bridge
Posted: Fri May 20, 2011 4:29 am
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I did this just the other day on a MIM Tele. Very simple. Remove the 6 saddle bridge, screw in the 3 barrel bridge. Same screws, same holes. It'll take about 5 minutes.

Have fun!

RickyD

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Post subject: Re: Question on changing the bridge
Posted: Fri May 20, 2011 4:30 pm
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Thanks for the info. So was that a fender vintage bridge or an after market company?


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Post subject: Re: Question on changing the bridge
Posted: Fri May 20, 2011 5:21 pm
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The one I used was a Fender bridge, but Glendale, Callaham, etc will all work. You can find a bunch of ideas if you search "vintage telecaster bridge" on eBay.

Easy!

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Post subject: Re: Question on changing the bridge
Posted: Thu May 26, 2011 3:08 pm
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Hi,

I am a newbie on this forum -- registered just a minute ago...! -- and saw your thread.

I also would like to change the bridge of my Tele from a vintage 3 saddles to a vintage 6 saddles. However, what about the pickup? Do we need to unsolder it and solder it again on the new coming bridge?

Thanks in advance for your answer.

Phydes


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Post subject: Re: Question on changing the bridge
Posted: Thu May 26, 2011 4:06 pm
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Phydes21 wrote:
Hi,

I am a newbie on this forum -- registered just a minute ago...! -- and saw your thread.

I also would like to change the bridge of my Tele from a vintage 3 saddles to a vintage 6 saddles. However, what about the pickup? Do we need to unsolder it and solder it again on the new coming bridge?

Thanks in advance for your answer.

Phydes

No, but you will have to unscrew it from the plate.


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Post subject: Re: Question on changing the bridge
Posted: Fri May 27, 2011 7:41 pm
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Thanks for the info. So what changes do you notice in the sound of the guitar, if any, now that you have the vintage bridge?

I have played some guitars with both bridges but the is always differences in pickups or wood or something so I really wonder if you get a big change in the sound by just changing the bridge?


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Post subject: Re: Question on changing the bridge
Posted: Sat May 28, 2011 3:19 pm
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Hi shotgunone,

The change is not so much to look for a different sound, but rather to have the right intonation on each of the strings. It is quite difficult to have the intonation right on a vintage bridge with 3 saddles since there are two strings per saddle: when a string is set, the other is out of intonation. Should be easier with a 6 saddles (1 string per saddle)...

Cheers,

Phydes


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Post subject: Re: Question on changing the bridge
Posted: Sat May 28, 2011 3:22 pm
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AngryHatter wrote:
Phydes21 wrote:
Hi,

I am a newbie on this forum -- registered just a minute ago...! -- and saw your thread.

I also would like to change the bridge of my Tele from a vintage 3 saddles to a vintage 6 saddles. However, what about the pickup? Do we need to unsolder it and solder it again on the new coming bridge?

Thanks in advance for your answer.

Phydes

No, but you will have to unscrew it from the plate.


Thanks for the info, AngryHatter! -- Phydes


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Post subject: Re: Question on changing the bridge
Posted: Sat May 28, 2011 9:37 pm
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Thanks for the input.

I know it would be harder to intonate the guitar with two strings per saddle. I was actually thinking about using the compensated saddles to help out with that.

What I wonder is do you hear a tonal difference in the guitar going from 6 saddles to the vintage saddle and barrel? I have heard it both ways that you get a change and that if you did get a change that it is very little.


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Post subject: Re: Question on changing the bridge
Posted: Sat May 28, 2011 11:43 pm
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shotgunone wrote:
Thanks for the input.

I know it would be harder to intonate the guitar with two strings per saddle. I was actually thinking about using the compensated saddles to help out with that.

What I wonder is do you hear a tonal difference in the guitar going from 6 saddles to the vintage saddle and barrel? I have heard it both ways that you get a change and that if you did get a change that it is very little.


Don't expect a huge difference in tone with a change of the bridge. Some people may disagree but I think the mass of the Tele bridge in general is much more important than 3 saddle vs. 6 saddle. I GREATLY prefer 6 saddles. Much easier to intonate.

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Post subject: Re: Question on changing the bridge
Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2011 3:35 pm
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Since the string is supposed to stop vibrating at the bridge it should not do a thing to the sound. If it does, I think that it is so slight as to be undetectable by humans.
Check with your dog!
:wink:

I just happen to like the vintage look a 3 barrel imparts.


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