String through bridge?

sarel0

Hi, I would like to ask a question. When I decide to drill holes for string through bridge on my Tele - what is the size of the drill - maybe exactly the size of the hole in my bridge plate? beware - not for the ferules - for the string holes themselves.

Then I want to ask if someone can give me advice - when you look at the string running from the ferrule at the back, out in front (and this is my concern!), and over the bridge, it makes a strong bend over the bridgeplate as it comes out the hole in front. Won't this cause harsh wear on the bridgeplate hole? Won't the string shear off easily at this point as this is quite a sharp edge on the plate/hole (bridgeplate). Should I shamfer the hole a bit? Tanx.

rikus

3mm is fine. Standard on a tele is 1/8", which is 3.175mm

Is it a standard hard tail tele (i.e. without tremolo)? If so, as long as the edge isn't damaged/jagged, you should be fine. The string won't be moving between the bridge string hole and the saddle. Google "tele bridge break angle" and you'll get some guidance and picture references.

Wizard

There are required tricks for drilling those 6 holes.
If you just drill them all from the top they don't line up properly at the bottom.
A drill bit doesn't go dead straight. Even with a drill press.
The bit gets swayed by the wood grain.

The trick is to drill the far left and right through and the middle 4 halfway.
Flip over and carefully mark the middle 4 holes perfectly and drill the other half from the back.

Perfectly aligned tele ferrules is hard.
But worth the effort

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Gearhead

What you may choose as an alternative, is to use a so-called tone block at the back. This usually is an aluminium bar with stepped holes that gets routed into the back like an inlay. It enables drilling larger diameter holes through the body. Generally considered a desirable mod.

Wizard

Hey Gearhead.
I quite like that tone block idea.
Although to be honest it's usually after I've stuffed up the holes that it seems to be a good rescue plan.

Each time I've gone hunting for one I've come up empty handed.
Usually ends up with someone pointing me at an engineering shop and I lose interest.

Where would you recommend a person gets one?

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Gearhead

Callahan is the overpriced go-to place but with the current Rand the tone block will be about as much as a decent two bedroom house. I have been wanting to have some made for a while, gimme three weeks and I'll have some idea about price.

Wizard

Gearhead wrote: Callahan is the overpriced go-to place but with the current Rand the tone block will be about as much as a decent two bedroom house. I have been wanting to have some made for a while, gimme three weeks and I'll have some idea about price.

In a moment of madness I bought a Callaham strat bridge.
I'm convinced it sounds far, far better ?
My psychologist says it does too ... while he smiles knowingly.

I see it's now $165 / R 2,500 just for the bridge.
(Note to self - maybe I should sell it?)

but but but ... it's machined & cold-rolled from non-leaded USA steel!
AND ... it was cryogenically deep frozen in liquid nitrogen or something.

So. It must sound better. Surely.