Who else shares my love for two-saddle Fenders, and basses in general?
Let's see 'em! I'll start....
Let's see 'em! I'll start....
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Two-Saddle Basses
- Thread starter jhb138
- Start date
Turnaround
Commercial User
What is it that you like about 2-saddle as opposed to 4 (or 5 or 6 saddle) bridges? I'm just curious.
In my case, I guess it's more about my love of the basses that traditionally came with two-saddle bridges. I've always dug 50s Ps and 70s Tele basses.
As for the well known limitations of two-saddle bridges; I've never had an issue getting intonation precise enough for my ears, and I actually find that I prefer the feel of the string radius near the bridge on my two-saddle basses vs my four-saddle P.
As for the well known limitations of two-saddle bridges; I've never had an issue getting intonation precise enough for my ears, and I actually find that I prefer the feel of the string radius near the bridge on my two-saddle basses vs my four-saddle P.
Turnaround
Commercial User
OK. I understand your like of vintage style instruments. Authenticity is what it's all about. But if your four-saddle P doesn't conform to the fingerboard radius, that's just a set up issue.
All three basses have been set up by the same tech within the last three months. He and I even joked about it; he says they're all set up as exactly the same as three different instruments can be, and that it's all in my head. And he's probably right. Lol
Turnaround
Commercial User
But if you prefer the radius setting at the bridge of the two-saddle versions, why aren't the four-saddle ones set up the same? Something is not right.
I'm putting together a tele bass with these on it. Swivel saddles.
Ha, I know that you are! I'd love to hear more about your various basses.
Thanks! For over 30 years I've played many early 50's P's and 60'/ 70's Tele's. My current lineup [from top to bottom] are a Fender 51 P bass w/ 55 neck, 2 Warmoth builds [silver w/ a custom made semi hollow body], and a customized Fender Carbonita. The chrome plated solid brass bridges [and saddles on the 51/ 55] were made by my dad.
Divine.
Not really. There's only 2 ways to control intonation on a guitar. You either move the saddle in/out or up/down.
I'd call it a non quantifiable preference issue and call it a day.
I know, this kind of thing drives logic driven people nuts. 
You can also use a mathematical formula to determine a string gauge that intonates at a precise saddle to nut length.
You have to use strings from a manufacturer that provides single strings at very fine gauge increments with a chart of the Unit Weight of the strings.
I had to use this method for my 9 string octave-baritone since it used a 3-saddle tele bridge.
It's an original early 50's Fender bridge plate w/ custom saddles my dad made 30 years ago.
