Where to find solid brass bridge saddles?

jeffwo · #1 01-11-2013, 02:20 PM

I have a P Bass Deluxe that I bought here off a TBer that I love, it has the hi mass vintage bridge which is a nice thick piece of metal with nice grooves for the saddles screws, with the string-thru option. The only thing I am not crazy about are the partially threaded saddles - the strings sit up quite high on the ridges and just don't look like they're seated properly to me.

I just bought the James Johnston Squier Jazz Bass and absolutely love that thing, and it has a beefier bridge with solid brass saddles with a single wider groove milled into them. I've searched all over looking for those saddles and can't seem to find them anywhere - anyone have any ideas? I guess the Squier saddles would be the best fit but any brand will do.

JLS · #2 01-11-2013, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffwo

I have a P Bass Deluxe that I bought here off a TBer that I love, it has the hi mass vintage bridge which is a nice thick piece of metal with nice grooves for the saddles screws, with the string-thru option. The only thing I am not crazy about are the partially threaded saddles - the strings sit up quite high on the ridges and just don't look like they're seated properly to me.

I just bought the James Johnston Squier Jazz Bass and absolutely love that thing, and it has a beefier bridge with solid brass saddles with a single wider groove milled into them. I've searched all over looking for those saddles and can't seem to find them anywhere - anyone have any ideas? I guess the Squier saddles would be the best fit but any brand will do.

Why don't you file the saddles that you have?

The strings are seated properly, unless they are moving around.

jeffwo · #3 01-11-2013, 05:11 PM

That's one option and they're not moving, they just look like they could be better seated - haven't played that bass out much and afraid they might jump out of place or break, and I prefer the look of the brass ones.

landau roof · #4 01-11-2013, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffwo

I have a P Bass Deluxe that I bought here off a TBer that I love

Were you two romantically involved before the sale or is that how y'all met?

You may have to buy a bridge and swap the saddles. Only $12 on eBay for a Wilkinson.

Newly listed Wilkinson Bass Bridge with Brass Saddles- 4 String- Fits Fender Basses- Chrome

jeffwo · #5 01-12-2013, 11:08 AM

Good one - I need to watch my grammar here!

$12 for the whole bridge??? Man I just may have to do that, those are the exact saddles I'm looking for.

96tbird · #6 01-12-2013, 02:32 PM

Yeah, not getting the problem here: Except for you just not knowing. The contact point(s) transfer all the forces of the string wether they are pinhead sized or a quarter mile wide. There is a lot of force there.

Jazz Ad · #7 01-12-2013, 02:36 PM

Willkinson bridges are very nice.

96tbird · #8 01-12-2013, 03:23 PM

Yes, I have a black & brass one on my SQ VMJ but only for aesthetic reasons. For 12 bucks you can't go wrong but there is no mechanical reason for OP to drop the cash.

Stilettoprefer · #9 01-12-2013, 03:29 PM

Those stock bridges are awesome. Your strings are seated well unless they move around. I use full threaded saddles on my P and have to use A LOT of force (much much much more than I would ever use while playing) to move them with the strings up to pitch, and those threads are much smaller than the ones on your bass.

jeffwo · #10 01-12-2013, 05:10 PM

Oh man, here we go with the bridge debate again! I love the look of the brass saddles and have a Wilkinson on the way, I plan to swap the saddles. It's my bass and I'll do what I want with it!

charlie monroe · #11 01-13-2013, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffwo

It's my bass and I'll do what I want with it!

Get I get an Amen?

Josh Thatguy · #12 01-13-2013, 10:27 PM

Now add a brass nut and you're all set!

walterw · #13 01-13-2013, 11:09 PM

maybe a brass pickguard with a bunch of toggle switches in it

the trouble with the single-groove saddles is that the spacing is usually wrong for your jazz pickups. (i wish they made them like tele saddles, with no groove at all, so you could file your own notch at the exact right spot for your bass like on a badass.)

the stock ones are brass and allow you to space the strings out right. the cheapie wilkies would be a step backwards, and may not even fit on the USA bridge.