I just picked up a Baja Tele and want to upgrade the bridge.
It came with the 3 saddle vintage version and my first inclination was to upgrade to a Callaham with slant compensated steel saddles.
But.... I prefer the look of the modern Fender Tele bridge.
I'm not into making a Tele look period correct, and the tone difference between a vintage-style and modern bridge isn't an issue.
Who here prefers a modern bridge over vintage?
I'm fine with either. I built my "Tele" and was going with a blackguard theme so I went with a vintage style 3-saddle bridge. Before that I had an American Standard that I liked a lot and it had a modern 6-saddle bridge. The Tele that I built is edgier sounding where the Am. Std. was smoother and more modern sounding, but there were a lot more differences than just the bridge.
I've set up my four Teles with 6 saddle bridges. I don't care about period correct either. My recommendation is the "Gotoh Modern" which is a drop in replacement for any Tele bridge that uses four mounting screws. One thing to know about this one though is that it's got a nice thick base plate but that also means you have to shim or adjust the neck angle to compensate for the saddles being a bit higher than the vintage style bridges.
That's a purty Tele!
Thank you muchOriginally Posted by OldStrummer
I’m kind of a purist old school dude when it comes to Teles, I really like the look of the three saddle bridge. I use compensated saddles though, Wilkinson brand usually. Callaham makes great stuff! I’ve installed a couple of their bridge assemblies. I have nothing against the 6 saddle or newer designs, I’m just stuck on the original looking bridges.
"don't worry, i'm a professional!"
by no means a purist but it wasn't until I finally played (and later bought) Teles with 3 saddle bridges that I began to like them. Throughout the '80s and '90s, i bought a few teles here and there that had the 6 saddle bridges and I just never cottoned to them. It may have been other things like the neck shapes, weight, body appointments (binding, foto flame) etc. I've come a ways since then as a player (or at least I like to think so) and might give a 6 barrel a go again if given the opportunity.
"Live and learn and flip the burns"
I went with Callaham, it's in the mail.
They make great stuff! I’m sure you’ll be happy
"don't worry, i'm a professional!"
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