Tele bass bridge vs. Standard bridge

[coldwater]

I'm thinking of replacing my tele bass bridge with a standard 4 saddle bass bridge to better help my intonation and action. For those that have done it. Is this something that has helped? Thanks

[Mike Yocum]

Most definitely! I replaced the two-saddle bridge on my Fender Sting with a four saddle bridge and now all strings play in tune all the way up the neck. You lose the "vintage vibe," but to me, the way the instrument plays is more important. Keep the old bridge if you sell it, though!

[Rip Topaz]

I replaced the two saddle bridge on my SCPB (cheapie) with the threaded four saddle version. Makes a HUGE difference with being able to properly intonate and set my action.

As has been said, it kills the "vintage" look, but who cares? Slap a bridge cover over it and nobody will ever know, unless you play above the 7th fret!!

[pudge]

If the 2 saddle bridge worked properly it would never had been replace with the 4 saddle.The one on the CLASSIC VIBE or a threaded 4 saddle bridge is the way to go.

[Pilgrim]

It depends on whether you can intonate the strings aceptably with the original bridge. If you can, there is nothing to be gained by changing. If you cannot, then of course there is something to be gained.

There is another alternative - buy offset saddles that are designed for better intonation using the original bridge. I can't come up with a link at the moment, but they're out there.

[pudge]

I think it's wilkinson that makes a tilt comp 2 saddle bass bridge.

[1bassleft]

Originally Posted by pudge

I think it's wilkinson that makes a tilt comp 2 saddle bass bridge.

That's correct; they're on the 'bay at quite widely varying prices. I've just been setting up a Squier VM P (tb), my 1st time dealing with a 2-saddle. What I did find was that grasping the saddle 'twixt thumb + index and applying a rotating force in the direction I needed was enough (just) to get the E+A agreeing with my tuner. The D+G not quite and I had to settle for a compromise. It's not so bad that my earwax curdles.

It's certainly more of a pain than a 4-saddle; if it were a regular job (with flatwounds, I like them old) it might annoy me enough to consider the Wilkinson (wonder if a TBer has tried it?) or, like suggested, a 4-saddle and a bridge cover.