Threaded saddles vs. grooved saddles

Lublin · #1 12-16-2011, 02:20 PM

Has anyone ever compared the sound differences between a saddle with a threaded surface (60's Fender) and a saddle with a groove (70's Fender)? My guess would be that the less saddle contact on that of the threaded saddle would allow the string to ring out more?

Threaded:

Grooved:

testing1two · #2 12-16-2011, 02:24 PM

If the materials are the same I would bet that no human could hear the difference. However, the threaded saddles allow you to align the strings over the pickup pole pieces and that can make an audible difference in some cases.

electracoyote · #3 12-16-2011, 02:25 PM

Oh man, I can't wait for the theories on this one. Personally, I'm going to say there can not possibly be any discernible audible difference in threaded versus grooved.

Lublin · #4 12-16-2011, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by electracoyote

Oh man, I can't wait for the theories on this one. Personally, I'm going to say there can not possibly be any discernible audible difference in threaded versus grooved.

Discussion is fun!

Unless a dick shows up.

tangentmusic · #5 12-16-2011, 02:28 PM

I have basses that have both styles.
I cant tell any differance in tone or sustain.
I tend to like the threaded one, cuz you can direct the strings between the p'up poles and alignment on the neck.

JLS · #6 12-16-2011, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by electracoyote

Oh man, I can't wait for the theories on this one. Personally, I'm going to say there can not possibly be any discernible audible difference in threaded versus grooved.

...unless one is much more expensive!

gidbass · #7 12-16-2011, 07:26 PM

I preferred the look and the adjustability of the threaded one on my old P, not to mention that the threaded saddles were smaller than my grooved one, allowing for lower action.

The only downside (IMO), is if you space your E out far, and play very hard, there is a chance that it can pop and move in. I played with a light touch, so it never bothered me.

Can't say i noticed a difference in tone though...

Good Luck!

walterw · #8 12-16-2011, 10:10 PM

tons of threads on this (i'm in a lot of them

)

the threaded ones are ferrous steel, while the single grooved aren't (a magnet sticks to one, but not the other), which to me makes a tiny difference, a little more of an airy "ping" in the steel ones.

+1 to the spacing thing. again, it makes a slight difference when the strings are right between the pickup magnets, especially if your pickups are closer and you hit harder; you get a slight compression of the attack.

the big advantage of the threaded saddles is that spacing the strings out a little pushes the outer saddles in towards the inner ones, so they're all held together with no sliding around, like this:

the single-groove ones do the opposite, pulling the G saddle away from the rest, like this:

Pilgrim · #9 12-17-2011, 10:26 AM

I am firmly on the side that when playing in a mix, it's physically impossible for any human being (including the bass player) to hear a difference.

What their imagination does is not my concern.

darkstorm · #10 12-17-2011, 04:49 PM

It has nothing to do with sound and everything to do with cheapo threaded saddles, the roughness of their surface, etc. Groved saddles look and feel a lot better and imo are better for the strings. Smooth grooves rather then the rough nonsense of those threaded saddles. As my take on them.

Erikthejunkie · #11 12-17-2011, 04:58 PM

Look wise I like threaded cause well i like my basses to look rough around the edges and I like them looking like they've been to hell and back

Though doesnt seem to make a diffrence in sound

zombywoof5050 · #12 12-17-2011, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walterw

..the big advantage of the threaded saddles is that spacing the strings out a little pushes the outer saddles in towards the inner ones, so they're all held together with no sliding around..

Bingo...you bunch all the saddles together against each other, then route the strings over them in alignment with the pickup poles and neck, then they stay put and don't slide around. Also, having the saddles radiused, rather than flat, helps hold them bunched together.

john grey · #13 12-18-2011, 12:27 PM

In the USA I believe Home Depot & Ace hardware sells threaded rods of same diameter in brass (which drills easily enough with a decent vise & drill press). Someone I know lost one and wanted to replace it and we just replaced them all w/ brass units; came out fine.

Lublin · #14 12-19-2011, 07:53 AM

Great input, everyone! Thanks for chiming in!