Are Glendale bridges really worth it?

[mayfly]

Folks,

Just picking up some hardware for a tele.  I usually use a Joe Barden Bridge, but I decided to have a look at what Glendale has to offer. 

Well - the parts are over 2x as expensive as a Joe Barden.

So folks - are they really worth it to you?  If so, why?

BTW - it's funny:  I've got no problem buying premium Lollar pickups, but I seem to have a block on spending a lot of money on bridges  :icon_scratch:

 

[Mor Paul]

You know, I was considering going for Glendale bridges for my upcoming build. Blackguard "double-cut" bridge bridge plate (cold rolled steel) and the Twang Plus cutting edge set saddles, (Aluminum E/A Plus a Brass E/A, Brass D/G & B/E)

 

[Who?]

I have a "Blackguard" double-cut that I put on a Bluestar telecaster knock off.  I used all brass saddles.  It has more twang and sustain than the 70's style bridge that came on it, but I really couldn't say how it would compare to a Joe Barden as I haven't used one.  I hate to recomend anything to anyone because tone is such a subjective thing.  I can say that I have been happy with the sound of mine, and it is a very well made part.

 

[tfarny]

Yeah high-end bridges are hard to justify - the Barden bridge is good (I have one too), and Glendale / Callaham use the same metals and they're all basically the same design. Do those tiny little details make a difference that's noticeable?
I have only heard great reviews of Glendale fwiw.

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

It probably is an extravagance.  There is a ginormus difference between a cheap bridge and mid-level bridge, but not as big a difference between mid-level and high end, atleast for a Tele bridge, IMO.  One of his big selling points is the finish.  I bought mine from him at a Guitar Show with Luke and MarkO as witnesses.  He's a pretty good player to boot.  Maybe not Jazz, but definitely Jazzy.

If you want something different and definitely with some mass too it, check out Armadillo Guitar.

http://www.armadilloguitar.com/main/custom_guitar_parts_gallery.html

 

[Mor Paul]

Darn it, the Barden doesn't have a double cut.

 

[blue313]

Both the Joe Barden and Bill Callaham bridges use a thicker bridge plate.  Barden plates his while Callaham highluster polishes his.  Both of them use these as a selling points.  The claim is thicker gives more sustain and plating is good/bad for the magnetic field. 

Glendale uses a thinner/vintage spec plate, and also uses it as a selling point.  The claim is more twang with a thinner plate.

Most of the good reviews I've read seem to hit on two points.  First, there's more of a difference in upgraded saddles than the plate itself overall (assuming you're using one of these three).  Secondly, some plates work better with different kinds of pickups.


I haven't been able to A/B these personally.  I have a Callaham and a buddy of mine has a Barden, but they're on completely different Teles.  I do however like the extra two screw mounts in the front of a Callaham.

 

[Tonar8352]

I have used Glendale bridges and saddles on several Tele builds.  They seem to be real lively and I actually keep a spare one in my parts draw at all times.  I really enjoyed dealing with Dale as I do with all tone freaks.

That said; I think the best thing is to try one out and if it is not your cup of tea you could probably sell it pretty easily.

 

[chrisg]

I have both a Callaham and a Glendale (both with brass saddles).  I can't tell any difference between them tone wise. I also like the additional screws on the front of the Callaham, but think the Glendale looks better.  You wouldn't be disappointed with either.