BigSteve22
Hero Member
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So, I've been looking at this bridge:

It's the Babicz Z-Series Tele Bridge. According to the Babicz FAQ, and from an examination of the drawerings, it differs from the "Original" series in that it has a steel base plate, (instead of aluminum), only the saddle height adjusters lock, (instead of the intonation locking as well), the intonation screws are centered on the saddles, (instead of offset), it is dedicate as a four screw vintage mount, (instead of both vintage and American standard 3 screw), and is string through body only, (instead of also having an accommodation for passing the strings through the rear of the base plate).
Now, I prefer the centered intonations screws for a straight pull on the string, (may not really make a difference, but that's just my take on it), and I don't really care if the intonation locks or not. I think the androgynous mounting of the "Original" series is just silly looking, I mean who really wants extra, unused holes in a bridge they're paying $140 for? And, as I intend to use string through mounting, the extra string holes in the rear of the plate are just that: More extra holes. And a BIG plus, the Babicz name is etched in a nice small font, instead of the normal,
The reason for posting is this: I have no experience with Telecasters. I've read elsewhere that part of the "tone formula" of a Tele is the bridge mounting plate. One review said that the steel plate is essential to getting that "tele tone". Another said that the steel plate has a negative effect, muddying the tone, and highly recommends a non-magnetic material. As is common in any subjective discussion, especially regarding "TONE", my reaction is a solid, WTF???
I have a set of Bill Lawrence NF Tele pickups on order. I understand that these are in no way traditional Tele pups, and I don't expect them to sound like traditional pups. Any insights into the combination of a steel plate and a Bill Lawrence NF bridge pup, or on the effect of a steel vs. non-magnetic plate on tone in general?

It's the Babicz Z-Series Tele Bridge. According to the Babicz FAQ, and from an examination of the drawerings, it differs from the "Original" series in that it has a steel base plate, (instead of aluminum), only the saddle height adjusters lock, (instead of the intonation locking as well), the intonation screws are centered on the saddles, (instead of offset), it is dedicate as a four screw vintage mount, (instead of both vintage and American standard 3 screw), and is string through body only, (instead of also having an accommodation for passing the strings through the rear of the base plate).
Now, I prefer the centered intonations screws for a straight pull on the string, (may not really make a difference, but that's just my take on it), and I don't really care if the intonation locks or not. I think the androgynous mounting of the "Original" series is just silly looking, I mean who really wants extra, unused holes in a bridge they're paying $140 for? And, as I intend to use string through mounting, the extra string holes in the rear of the plate are just that: More extra holes. And a BIG plus, the Babicz name is etched in a nice small font, instead of the normal,
Babicz Billboard,
sized font! Aside from the aforementioned features, my main reasons for considering this bridge are the saddle design, and the fact that it just plain looks cool! And let's face it, at $77.95, it's a bargain!The reason for posting is this: I have no experience with Telecasters. I've read elsewhere that part of the "tone formula" of a Tele is the bridge mounting plate. One review said that the steel plate is essential to getting that "tele tone". Another said that the steel plate has a negative effect, muddying the tone, and highly recommends a non-magnetic material. As is common in any subjective discussion, especially regarding "TONE", my reaction is a solid, WTF???
I have a set of Bill Lawrence NF Tele pickups on order. I understand that these are in no way traditional Tele pups, and I don't expect them to sound like traditional pups. Any insights into the combination of a steel plate and a Bill Lawrence NF bridge pup, or on the effect of a steel vs. non-magnetic plate on tone in general?