Tele: Which Sounds Better?...

[Strat Avenger]

What bridge saddles sound better on  a Tele;  brass, or steel?

 

[Cagey]

In general, steel is roughly twice as hard as brass, so you can go from there. "Better" is a relative term anyway. It's like asking which is better, butterscotch or caramel? There's no right answer.

 

[pabloman]

In general, steel is roughly twice as hard as brass, so you can go from there. "Better" is a relative term anyway. It's like asking which is better, butterscotch or caramel? There's no right answer.

Either way they both can cause a yeast infection.

 

[mayfly]

Here's a personal answer:  Brass.  Steel is just to bright on a telecaster.  IMHO

 

[tfarny]

I haven't had steel saddles on a tele, but I haven't played many teles that need extra brightness, so I'd go with brass, the traditional material.

 

[Strat Avenger]

Cool, I'm just looking for a general consensus. I also should have asked what the difference in tone is, but that was answered here (steel is brighter).

I'm just doing research, because I have never built or owned a Tele. I still wanna build a Strat, but I now think I want the next project to be a Tele.

I noticed that the GE Smith signature Tele has brass saddles, so that got me to thinkin'.  I want to build a custom Tele with a couple of modern upgrades, BUT I want the traditional Tele tone, which to me means a vintage style, 3-saddle bridge. I want modern tuners though, and a Fender Deluxe type of contoured heel. I also want a non-traditional fretboard radius, and medium-jumbo frets.

What's the best source to get a brass saddle vintage style Tele bridge?

 

[mayfly]

IMHO, Joe Barton.  Available from all parts

 

[TBurst Std]

Tele saddles are not expensive. Why not get each type? I have read about many using brass on some strings and steel on others. Have I tried it, no not yet, but I do plan to once I get other projects done.

FYI - I am brass

 

[tfarny]

Also a fan of the Joe Barton bridge, but I found them on Ebay for $40 new.

 

[Strat Avenger]

Thanks for the tip. I visited their site, and I am really digging the Joe Barden Tele bridge. At the very least, I will order a set of the brass compensated saddles.