Tele bridge concerns

[bob7point7]

So I just ordered the parts for a new Tele project. This one will be pretty close to vintage style (my first true Tele), so I want to use an ashtray bridge with compensated saddles. After shopping around a little while I ended up ordering a Joe Barden bridge, but I have some concerns with it.

First, it looks like the low E saddle height screw is going to be sitting right on the head of the bridge mounting screw once the saddle is intonated. Is this normal?

Second, the bridge came with #6 screws which seem a little small for the 1/8" pilot holes Warmoth drills. I picked up some #8 screws, but the head doesn't sit in the countersink because the bridge appears to have been countersunk with a standard 120 degree drill bit rather than a countersinking bit. Should I just use the #6 screws or should I try to properly countersink the bridge and use the #8 screws?

Finally, I wanted to use shorter saddle height screws so they would sit flush or below the saddle surface, but it looks like the string would slip into the recess made by the screw hole unless the screw is there to keep the string in place. Is this normal for a Tele bridge?

Overall I'm a little disappointed with this thing. I knew it wasn't the nicest bridge on the market, but it wasn't the cheapest either. Should I just cut my losses and get a Callaham, or will it have some of the same issues? Any advice or previous experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks!
-Bobbie

 

[mayfly]

So I just ordered the parts for a new Tele project. This one will be pretty close to vintage style (my first true Tele), so I want to use an ashtray bridge with compensated saddles. After shopping around a little while I ended up ordering a Joe Barden bridge, but I have some concerns with it.

I've got this bridge on two guitars, overall I'm quite happy.  Here's my answers to your questions from my experience:

First, it looks like the low E saddle height screw is going to be sitting right on the head of the bridge mounting screw once the saddle is intonated. Is this normal?

Yea - it's pretty close isn't it!  With my guitars strung with 10-46 strings, it does not touch it.  But it's close.  In my mind - that's where it needs to be for it to be in tune - Changeing bridges won't change that.

Second, the bridge came with #6 screws which seem a little small for the 1/8" pilot holes Warmoth drills. I picked up some #8 screws, but the head doesn't sit in the countersink because the bridge appears to have been countersunk with a standard 120 degree drill bit rather than a countersinking bit. Should I just use the #6 screws or should I try to properly countersink the bridge and use the #8 screws?

the #6 screws that came with the bridge worked fine for me in both ash and alder bodies.  No issues with stripping and the bridge is held securely.  I'd just use the #6 screws.

Finally, I wanted to use shorter saddle height screws so they would sit flush or below the saddle surface, but it looks like the string would slip into the recess made by the screw hole unless the screw is there to keep the string in place. Is this normal for a Tele bridge?

Well, yea kinda.  In practice however the points where the strings pass through the body are so close to the bridge they don't end up in the screw holes.  Also, a small groove will wear in the bridge saddles for the strings which will keep them in their place.

Overall I'm a little disappointed with this thing. I knew it wasn't the nicest bridge on the market, but it wasn't the cheapest either. Should I just cut my losses and get a Callaham, or will it have some of the same issues? Any advice or previous experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks!
-Bobbie

Sorry to hear that.  As I mentioned, the bridges work fine for me, and I imagine that a Callaham will have the same problem with the E string height screw getting close to the bridge mounting screw, and also probably feed your worries about the strings falling into those holes.  Overall though, the Barden has worked well for me

 

[blue313]

I havent used the Barden myself but have heard good things.  The issue with the strings falling into the screw holes is an old concern.  I believe most of the higher quality bridges take that into consideration.

My current Tele bridge is a Callaham with compensated saddles, and the strings sit fine.  http://www.unofficialwarmoth.com/index.php?topic=4974.0

 

[tfarny]

I have the Barden bridge and it works fine for me, I think mayfly said what needs to be said. Mine is surprisingly corroded after less than a year though, but that may just be my impression, since I moved from LA where nothing corrodes to New York where summer was just a swampy mess.
I can't say whether the callaham is worth the extra $, but like I said the Joe Barden works well enough for me.

 

[bob7point7]

Thanks for the responses, guy. It's reassuring to hear some positive feedback about the bridge from trusted names on this board. It looks like maybe I just need to stop worrying and build the thing. I'll be sure to post pics once the body a neck get here.

Thanks!
-Bobbie