Schaller 456 bridge. Lefty???

[Ron D]

Hi guys.
Need some help.
Can anyone tell me why this bridge can't be used as a "lefty"?
I can't see anything, at least from the pics, that would indicate a problem... but, Warmoth says, specifically, that it's only available right handed???
HELP!

I'm asking because I'm looking for a bridge for a new build, tele body, but I don't want the big plate.
Vintage fixed strat style looks a little cheap to me. IMO

Oh, it's gotta be BLACK!

Cheers, Ron

 

[AutoBat]

If the saddles aren't replaceable they're already gauged for righties, judging from this closeup shot of one:

(please disregard putrid looking gold finish)

If they are swappable it would seem you could just pop them out & put them in reverse order and it'd be good to go.  I've never touched one so I can't tell you if this is feasible or not.

 

[Ron D]

Thanks AutoBat.
Makes sense. I really want to find a nice looking black bridge. Any thoughts?

 

[swarfrat]

Warmoth sells it in black too. From the Schaller web site:

When making the initial adjustment, please allow the screws to protrude a little more than necessary (but not far enough to allow them fall out). This means they can be tightened accordingly during playing.

If this tightening results in the screws being tightened to the limit, please loosen them again and re-tune the string using the machine heads as usual. Then fine-tune again by tightening the screws once this has been done.

So it would appear that you can losen the intonation screw enough that it falls out - meaning you can swap the saddles yourself to make a lefty.

 

[Ron D]

swarfrat, Thanks!!!
I shall call on them on Monday!
I think this build is gonna be a beauty! :blob7:

 

[pabloman]

They are talking about the fine tuner screws not the intonation screws.

 

[pabloman]

The intonation screws look to be retained by e-clips. I was able to remove my saddles from the Schaller bridge by popping those clips off.

 

[Ron D]

They are talking about the fine tuner screws not the intonation screws.

Thanks pabloman,
Pardon my ignorance, but do you mean... the intonation screws would work backwards?
If so, no big deal. I'm a lefty... I'm used to being backward!  :toothy12:

 

[pabloman]

No the screws would work the same. The saddles just need to be swapped around. It's spanked on the Schaller bridge I have. Can't speak in absolute about that model. They look similar. Sorry. That's the best I got.

 

[swarfrat]

Pablo is right - that has to be talking about the fine tuners (the knobs on the end). The technical drawing and the chrome picture shows the clip better:

 

[Ron D]

It certainly looks do-able. I can't see any other reason it couldn't be converted to lefty.

 

[Cagey]

I have one of those bridges on my Melody Maker, and those intonation screws are held in place by C-clips. Pop 'em off, and the screws will come out. Rearrange the saddles, pop the clips back on, and it's a lefty.

But, for a Telecaster you might want to consider using one of these Hipshots...

The saddles are stainless and the bridge carcass is machined brass, then the whole thing attaches directly to the body rather than stand on two posts. Sustain is incredible with these things.

Here's a shot of one in gold mounted on a carved top Tele...

 

[Ron D]

Thanks Cagey,
Beautiful guitar! What bridge rout do ask for, to fit one of these?

 

[swarfrat]

Cagey's right - I got so fixated on solving a problem raised that I missed

[quote

I'm looking for a bridge for a new build, tele body, but I don't want the big plate.
Vintage fixed strat style looks a little cheap to me. IMO

Shame that American Standard Flatmount is only in Chrome. But honestly - take a look at the flatmount bridges you like vs those that you don't. Flatmount bridges are really really realy simple - I'm guessing what looks cheap to you is just the stamped saddles. Flatmount bridges are readily available with cast or milled saddles.

Schaller 475, Gotoh, the Hipshot Cagey mentioned or you can throw some aftermarket saddles on a strat hardtail plate.  Nothing wrong with the 456 I'm sure - but I just assumed you wanted a Tune-O-Matic derived bridge. Also realize that 456 and any other TOM bridge is going to require a neck angle (which Warmoth will put in if the bridge route requires it) unless you go with a recessed TOM (another option).

 

[Ron D]

Thanks so much guys.
btw... Cagey, now that I have your attention...  :help:
Perhaps I should describe my build idea.

It started out as a fairly traditional looking Tele. 3 tone, BRY sunburst, black Tele humbucker bridge (I have 2 MJS split single pups that I'll be using. Ebony covers and rings.

After spending far too many hours reading this forum, it has now morphed into a chambered walnut body, with that gorgeous (IMO) piece of camphor burl for the top.
No way I want to cover it up with the Tele bridge.
The neck, canary/rosewood, Warmoth 24 3/4 conversion.
Oil finish for the body.

My idea of the perfect Jazz Tele.
Comments?

Cheers, Ron

 

[Ron D]

swarfrat,
The American Standard would be great... if I could get it in black!
The Schaller idea is purely about looks, but I kinda agree about the posts.
I'd much rather use a flatmount.
Hipshot takes the lead!  :icon_thumright:

 

[Cagey]

I'm not sure what drill pattern you use for that bridge. On the two guitars I've put them on, I've had to drill the mounting holes myself. It's only three holes, so no biggie. The string spacing measures out at 2 1/16", so whatever flatmount matches that will probably work. Warmoth will drill specifically for that bridge if you're uncomfortable with a drill motor, but it's a $45 adder. Just ask for the "Hipshot Flat Mount SB 5105-010" drill pattern in the notes on your order. That's an AllParts number - you can get the things at StewMac for $75 with their #3550B.

You idea of the "perfect jazz Tele" sounds almost identical to one a buddy of mine has been wanting to build for a while. The only thing I'd change is the fretboard wood, from Rosewood to Black Ebony. You don't want anything distracting from that Camphor Burl top.

 

[leo12.]

I think the morphed ideas for your Tele sounds more unique, the only way a TOM bridge
on a Tele works for me is if its a carved top, or recessed on a thinline. I lke Cagey's
advice on bridge & fingerboard. Good luck.

 

[swarfrat]

Gotoh sells a flatmount strat bridge with cast saddles in black. Stew-mac sells it as part no 0179-B for $55. It's Gotoh so I'm sure it can be found elsewhere but my search engine patience is limited while using my phone.

 

[Ron D]

Gotoh sells a flatmount strat bridge with cast saddles in black. Stew-mac sells it as part no 0179-B for $55. It's Gotoh so I'm sure it can be found elsewhere but my search engine patience is limited while using my phone.

swarfrat,
Can't believe I missed this one!
Thanks!