Gearhead wrote
@ Mike: You are forgetting to mention what tuners you'd prefer?
I don't really have a preference ? Just a decent quality vintage tuner like
these
Gearhead wrote
I am not with you. How does it not affect playability when it's between where my strum starts and the strings? I agree that vintage is vintage but the reason I've started this thread is that there's certain vintage that really can be bettered.
Oh wait are you talking about the ashtray? Sorry was in a mad rush to varsity. I thought you were referring to
this and
this and
this.
Gearhead wrote
Methinks it's quicker to buy a rod of stainless 316L and a Graphtech nut blank and have them machined. In fact, I have some stainless of the right size lying around. @ anyone: What is the exact size of a vintage Tele washer type string guide?
Or that ? Maybe we should figure this out because it'd be a piece I will own forever ?
Gearhead wrote
If I'm not mistaken it works the opposite way a compensated saddle does (?). In any case, it is proven technology so no doubts whether it works or not...
I would rather spend a couple of weekends glueing up and grinding off nut getting it right than buying an Earvana and getting it wrong. To me, the compensation needs to take into account your string gauge on each string, the nut height and action etcetera so there's no way the 'standard' nut will work 100% for a certain guitar.
I also guessed that much. That's true, it's a tough one. I still prefer the idea of compensated saddles ? Suppose it's my conservative side.
Alan Ratcliffe wrote
Fortunately I've swapped out enough bridges to be able to tell you there is a big difference. Biggest difference is between the thin ashtrays and the more modern flat bridges, The ashtrays have more of a twang to them and add resonance of their own. Further than that, the Glendale specifically is nicely made, it's neater and more attractive looking than anything other than the Callaham (which are made by Glendale, BTW - just to a different spec).
So Alan would you be able to tell a guitar with a Glendale from one with out by just the sound - (Honest question as I know I sure as anything won't be able to)? I get your point no doubt, but I mean R1k for a bridge is just silly in my books (Then again, I'd never buy a Gibson or Fender CS) - especially when something like the Wilkinson is not THAT different for a fifth of the price.
Alan Ratcliffe wrote
The material issue is an interesting one. Plain steel is ferromagnetic and affects the eddy currents in the pickup coil and also the vibration of the bridge itself tends to induce current in the coil, becoming part of the ferromagnetic structure of the pickup (much like the steel baseplate on the pickup itself). If you search around you'll find lots of guys complaining that noiseless pickups tend to feedback in certain bridges - and they turn out to be the magnetic steel bridges. This is because the magnetic structure of the noiseless pickups is a special one, highly focused and relatively low gauss, so more susceptible to interference from the bridge. This is one of the reasons that Glendale eventually dropped their line of traditional magnetic steel bridges.
Valid point, I agree and would prefer a traditional material to something like titanium or alu.
Alan Ratcliffe wrote
I'm a big fan of the tone of brass saddles on a Tele myself.
+1
Alan Ratcliffe wrote
There are so many small factors involved... and most good Tele pickups are by design slightly microphonic, which means they "hear" what is going on in the bridge pretty well. The bridge is only affixed at the rear and the front tends to vibrate with the thinner plate of the ashtray style bridges - and the pickup is suspended from the bridge.
I still don't think that there would be a big difference in tone, but I have not compared myself so till then, I will take your word for it ?
Alan Ratcliffe wrote
I love the sides of the ashtray, but I'm in a minority of one in that - most people agree that for normal playing they get in the way. That's why Fender dropped them originally in favour of the modern six saddle flat plate design. Then a lot of guys liked the sound of the ashtrays, so they brought them back again.
Covered that in post to GH, wouldn't be able to hand an ashtray bridge myself ?
Sorry, did not explain myself properly. Curious as to if it works effectively. As GH mentioned, string guages and other niggles might have an affect. Although I am sure with some tweaking and that you could get it pretty accurate with the straight bridges. But again, compensated for me.
Alan Ratcliffe wrote
I've bought big blocks of the Black Tusq from them before. It's not on catalogue, but they use them to make up custom saddles and other parts in house.
Man I am loving
MY idea of vintage looking graphtec trees ?
Alan Ratcliffe wrote
Real easy. If you have the standard 7/8" hole for the cup, they take about 1 minute to fit (unless you want to recess it). Screw it on the jack, drop it in from outside, bradawl to start the holes and then the two self-tapping screws.
I meant the traditional tele one ? You are referring to the electro right? We discussed this before I believe.
Hope I answered everything and that it is all legible. Loooong day. Bedtime!
