Vintage Tele bridge info..

I wanted a vintage bridge but not string-thru - it's just not what I like.
I also don't like the cheap stamped thin Fenders with the "walls" - especially
the one that gets in the way of finger picking.
 
I talked with Mr. Callaham about modifying his vintage to a top load.
No problem. Small up-charge and 3 week lag. ( for coating)
 

You can see that 3/4" of the front lip is removed and
the enhanced compensated saddles....I'm looking forward
to trying this on.
 
Not cheap but since he's willing to modify it and the improvements
he's made...I bet it's worth it and I'll find out.
 
I'm not affiliated with him or anybody else....just something I
thought I'd mention for the Tele players.
 
 

 
@ Wookiee - permission to drool/dribble

John (ampfixer) I couldn't agree more. Anybody that owns a Strat or Tele should know about Mr.Callaham. If one thinks about the six little holes and imagines the strings bent over them (passing thru the body) and the strings grinding over the edges....is it any wonder the strings snap if you're a bender and then the idea that the strings going through them - the angle being claim to tone.... Well I'll put my money on Bills statements about where that tone is coming from. One may also find interest in his past too. There are only a few top load styles for the Tele that I'm aware of ( that are worth knowing about) and this one isn't for Wookiees' .

I have a few Mike but first, and excuse me, not trying to be rude or a smart arse... let me ask you, why string thru?

Mike, if you would please post a picture of the top load Fender Tele bridge.

I appreciate whatever you have to do to show me one as you sure
can't find them now. At least I can't and feel I've searched very good.

I also have the opinion that they screwed up when they discontinued it. (assuming they did and if they didn't do you have a link to purchase one?)

Now to answer your question;

What I don't like about the string thru is there is no good reason for it. There is absolutely no gain to the instrument for it. In fact it is nothing but bad for the strings as they pass and get in a bind on the plate and often do cause the string to break.
Many like to support the idea that the angle of the string improves tone....I'm not one that does...I am however in total agreement with Bill Callaham.
If you read what he has to say about his, you'll learn of all the issues with the Fenders Vintage bridge. ( and I'd much rather anybody that wants to debate them do so with him)

It is also a major hassle to build a guitar for the string-thru...and for what reason? Which is my main point.

And just a note Mike....We were talking about a Vintage bridge which that is not....my very first statement in this thread and a picture showing the 3 brass saddles.

Another note of interest (to me) - the bridge you posted is very close in design to the Schaller 475 Roller bridge...which I much prefer to the one you posted.

Thank you Mike.

mike_mccue

I had never thought much about it except that the top load seemed a bit easier to string up.


best regards,
mike

Many questions come from one may be repairing, modifying or building. There are many issues that one may not know
about with Fender bridges- naturally when they don't think about it or given reason to.
 
It's when one buys a Fender replacement bridge with a 2 3/16" string spacing when they needed a 2 1/8"
because " well it looked like the one on mine" LOL
I could go on but....
 
The main thing is - if one wants a vintage Tele bridge with top-load Callaham will supply it....and the only way
to get one that I'm aware of. ( excluding one taking a drill to one)
 

 

Thank you Drew.
Although it doesn't have the lips it still has the vintage look with 3 saddles.
It's also cheaper than the Callaham.
It'll be great comparing them.

ampfixer


Hey Drew, what the heck is that beast! I have never seen a tele bridge that looked like it. More moving parts than a watch.

@spacey, you can get a vintage tele bridge with top load option. They were available in the 60's but not for long. Very expensive and hard to find but they are around. They were like a standard bridge with six holes drilled in the back, no where near the quality of the Callaham. The heavier rolled steel has much better sustain and I think the note fundamentals are stronger.

I may start playing Gibsons again.

Tuning?  I don't need to tune, I play ROCK!!!