Hardtail Strat Bridge

[Wizard of Wailing]

      I'm thinking about making my first hardtail strat.  Does anyone here have a recommendation,or believe there's any advantages or disadvantages to a certain hardtail bridge?

 

[TBurst Std]

Make sure you know what string spacing you want.  2 7/32 or 2 1/8. 

 

[Cagey]

I'm a big fan of these Hipshot bridges. Milled brass base, stainless saddles/screws/springs. Full sounding, with a lotta sustain. A little pricey, but it's a quality part.  Be sure to shop around, as the prices listed on their site are MSRP numbers - nobody charges that much for them.

 

[BigSteve22]

+1 on the Hipshot products. Check out SportHiTech on eBay or Reverb. Best prices, great service, and if they don't have what you want, they'll get it for you.  :icon_thumright:

 

[AirCap]

Schaller makes a great bridge for Strats with adjustable string spacing and individual string height adjustment. It's affordable, too. You can string it through the body, or top load it, too.

http://www.soundland.de/catalog/images/products/tn/21/216471-500x333.jpg

 

[Cagey]

I used one of those Schaller 475 bridges on my test fixture because of its wide adjustability. It works well, with one caveat - those roller saddles are mounted on little threaded rods, which is how you adjust string spacing. You can even shuffle the entire set to one side or the other if your neck happens to be out of line. But, there's nothing that holds them in place other than string tension, so they can be inadvertently moved when unstrung. I move them around a lot on purpose, but on a guitar that would probably only be an issue at string change time, and I imagine unless you were goofing around a lot they wouldn't move much, if at all. But, it could add up over time. Still not a big problem, as it's not like they can't be easily moved back. It doesn't rise to the level of deal-breaker - I could see me using one on a guitar - it's just something you might want to keep an eye on.

Incidentally, Warmoth appears to have the best deal on them - the chrome versions are only $56. Everywhere else they run from $72 to $108. Also, be aware there are two versions of the thing. One does top or thru-body string termination, while the other is top-only.

 

[Logrinn]

... Also, be aware there are two versions of the thing. One does top or thru-body string termination, while the other is top-only.

I did not know that. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Cagey]

The one that gives you a choice of termination may be a newer model, rather than a separate version of the same bridge. I can't tell - they both seem to be available. But, I've had the top-only version for few years and only recently saw the dual-termination version.

 

[AirCap]

I used one of those Schaller 475 bridges on my test fixture because of its wide adjustability. It works well, with one caveat - those roller saddles are mounted on little threaded rods, which is how you adjust string spacing. You can even shuffle the entire set to one side or the other if your neck happens to be out of line. But, there's nothing that holds them in place other than string tension, so they can be inadvertently moved when unstrung.

Easy fix for that. I used to dab a little clear lacquer on either side of the roller once I got the spacing set to keep them from moving during string changes. The touch of a brush dipped in lacquer thinner or acetone liquefies it again to reset it. Also, a dab of clear nail polish will work - and it will not stick to metal if you touch it with the blade of a screw driver. The polish will just pop off. No worries, and not permanent.

 

[Cagey]

Excellent idea!

 

[BigSteve22]

I've looked at that 475 too, and full well intend to use it as an excuse for a future build.  :icon_jokercolor:

 

[bagman67]

If you're interested in a less modern look without the raised edge around the saddles, or just a less expensive but very solid part, I used this guy on my green Tele.

Part no.  41300SS-V is $54.99 on the Guitar Parts Resource page at http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/gbridge_hipshothardtail.htm


Compare to $70 on the HIpshot Products page.

 

[BigSteve22]

If you're interested in a less modern look without the raised edge around the saddles.....

Exactly why I went with the American Flat Plate trem on my Strat instead of their Contour model. Unfortunately, the Flat Plate trem isn't much cheaper than the Contour. Fortunately, I was able to get it at a substantial discount.  :icon_thumright:

 

[Axkoa]

Be sure to shop around, as the prices listed on their site are MSRP numbers - nobody charges that much for them.

Unless you live in Australia and there is a listing for this: http://www.realparts.com.au/bridges-tailpieces/hardtail/hipshot-hardtail-bridge-chrome.html

It's literally cheaper to order one of those bridges from Stewmac, have it shipped here. All converted into AUD, than buying from that site...

 

[spaceranger]

I'd love to live vicariously through someone else trying out these Babicz full-contact Strat replacement saddles. Of course, it wouldn't be my money!  :cool01:

One of the things I'd like about them, coming off a lot of TOM bridges, is no height adjustment screws tearing up your palms when muting. Just have to figure out how to avoid my wife pummeling me with a spare guitar neck and I'm aiming to give these a try sometime.

 

[Cagey]

I have those saddles on a Babicz vibrato bridge that I put on one of my Jazzmasters, but I haven't got much playing time on them yet.

They are comfortable, I can vouch for that for certain, and the guitar has better sustain and articulation than my other Jazzmaster, but I can't really say it's due to the bridge because it's the only bridge that's ever been on that guitar. Nothing to compare it to. So, improvements could be due to other factors.

Comfort's not too hard to come by on other bridges, though. If you're using TOM bridges, Wilkinson makes these replacements...

They're only $25 at Guitar Fetish, somewhat more other places. Nice part, though. Roller saddles, so no string hangups and less breakage. Solid brass, so better sustain. Downside is setting intonation is no fun. It's like on a Floyd Woes- you have to unlock the saddle by loosening a hex screw, move the saddle, then tighten it back up hoping you did good. Lather, rinse, repeat until intonation is right.

If you're using a bridge with height adjustable saddles and the height adjustment set screws are eating your palm, you can get replacement set screws here pretty cheap. Buy an assortment of shorter ones to replace the weapons sticking up out of your current saddles, and you're good to go.

 

[Logrinn]

Then there's these that Frank made me aware of.

 

[dmraco]

Not sure if you have the guitar yet.  I have always like this kind of set up.

 

[AshStrat]

I am in the same boat right now, doing my first build which will be a strat hardtail. My question is how do I decide what string spacing for the bridge? 2 1/16", 2 1/8", 2 1/4" and Callaham has one thats 2 7/32".
Thanks.

 

[Logrinn]

You could keep it simple. Order a body with a bridge route for the Fender american standard flat mount and order the bridge at the same time from Warmoth. Done!