Change Bridge on my Tele ?

[1jimbo]

Can I change from and Vintage bridge to a American Standard bidge on my tele or will it not cover the holes?

 

[Mor Paul]

It's a fairly extensive modification.

 

[-CB-]

Actually.... I think its possible.  Maybe.

The bugbear is the distance from the pickup  hole to the string thru holes.  If thats remotely close, then its doable, as the bridge sections have enough travel to make up for any other issue.  The spacing of the string thru holes is slightly different - but simply enlarging the string thru holes on the top of the body will correct that (the holes will be big enough to not obscure the openings in the bridge).  You'll cover the vintage mounting holes.  You'll make new holes for the new mounting screws. 

If the string thru-to-pickup  distance is pretty close, then you're good to go - but be warned - it would be a one way mod, not easily reversed.

You can get, or make, a cut down bridge, which would give you essentially the same thing, but keeping the vintage layout.

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

The newest American Standard bridge has the Vintage looking saddles.  There are plenty of Vintage bridges available without an ashtray style and ash tray style available for American Standard routes.  Point being, there are plenty of options out there that are direct retrofits that won't require any modification.  Were you just after the look of the saddles of the 2008 and prior Am. Standard?

 

[1jimbo]

The Bridge I plan on using is the 2009 Fender (Brass) American Standard bridge.

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

There are brass Tele bridges with the 6 vintage saddles that fit the vintage route without an ashtray, which is basically what this would be, but w/out drilling.

 

[1jimbo]

You are right ! Guess who has them in stock? Warmoth of course.