6 saddle USA bridge on a MIM Tele

Can this be done ? ( Sorry for the stupid question, but I'm not sure if it will fit.) I have an American Standard Tele and in my opinion the bridge on it is much better than the one on my MIM. It's so much easier when changing strings, and it has better sustain too. I think it would be a good upgrade. I can get a brand new 6 saddle bridge on Ebay for $45. That seems like a good deal. Should I go for it ?

No, it won't work. American standard bridges mount with 3 screws to the body, MIMs use the "vintage" 4 screws to the body mounting, except the older '90's MIMs use a 3 screw mount, but the configuration is different than the American Standards, so it still won't work. What year is your tele? Gotoh makes a nice, heavy brass (chrome plated) 6 saddle that will fit the newer MIM. Maybe you should look into that, although, to my ears, the stock MIM bridges sound pretty decent.

Bob

I'm not sure what year it is. The neck has been changed, and the body has been refinished. I don't think the neck is even a Fender. I'm pretty sure the body is a MIM though.

Does the bridge attach to the body with 3 or 4 screws?

If you'd like to drill a couple holes it will. The Gotoh modern bridge at $54 from StewMac is probably a better call.

It won't be a match - different string spacing, different string hole positions.
This picture used to be on Warmoth's site - vintage tele bridge superimposed on an American Std bridge.
If you don't know, the Mexican Std Tele modern 6 saddle bridge has the same mount and string through hole locations as the vintage bridge.

I'm facing a similar dilemma with a partscaster body that's drilled for a vintage bridge.

I have an American style 6 saddle humbucker bridge laying around. If I mounted it to line up with the string holes on the body, will I have intonation problems with the saddles?

Tom

I have an American style 6 saddle humbucker bridge laying around. If I mounted it to line up with the string holes on the body, will I have intonation problems with the saddles?

Yes.

Well, I guess I'm not getting a USA bridge. I can deal with what it has as is, but it would be nice to have the USA bridge.

If you want a 6-saddle, direct replacement bridge for your MIM, look at the Gotoh (http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Bridges,_tailpieces/Electric_guitar,_non-trem_bridges/Gotoh_Modern_Bridge_for_Tele.html?tab=Details#deta ils). It's very high quality and is favored by many (including Ron Kirn). It sells for about $50.

http://www.stewmac.com/product_images/1lg/0025/Gotoh_Modern_Bridge_for_Tele_sm.jpg

Well as it turns out, my Tele has a 4 screw bridge. Sorry for that being so late, but I just remembered this thread. I think a USA bridge will fit. I don't even know if my Tele is a MIM, the neck isn't even a Fender. I guess this was a custom built Tele, then again it could be a Chinese knock-off. I only paid $350 for it, and it's my favorite guitar so in my mind it was worth the price. Just the electronics are worth $300 or more.

Here's some pics of the Tele. Can you guys tell me something about it ? Sorry to get off topic, but I would like to know anything you know about it.

I recently put one of those GOTOH bridges on a vintage tele and note that the height adjuster screws have a tendancy to rattle plus I had to remove a neck shim to get it sounding and playing (set-up) right.

Well as it turns out, my Tele has a 4 screw bridge. Sorry for that being so late, but I just remembered this thread. I think a USA bridge will fit.

An American standard bridge will not fit. They mount with 3 screws to the body & the string-through holes are in front of the mounting screws. If you want to stay with a modern style bridge, the Gotoh is your best bet. If you want to go with a vintage style bridge, try the Wilkinson. As far as the neck goes, the 2 string trees make me think it may be a Squier neck. Not a bad thing at all.

On second thought, after looking at your pics again, it appears as though the string trees are in odd locations. It makes me think it's an aftermarket neck. Seems as though the headstock came without string tree mounting holes & someone added two of 'em in odd locations. It looks like it could be a Mighty Mite neck judging by the black plastic truss rod surround.

Bob

I noticed the weird string trees too. The headstock used to have a Fender Telecaster logo, but it was a sticker and didn't have a serial number. That tells me that it isn't a Fender neck at all, right ? What is realy weird is the fact that my Tele isn't strung through the body. It kinda looks like somebody filled the holes in, and then repainted the guitar. This Tele must have a weird story behind it. I should take pics of everything on it, and post it in the main Tele forum, and see if I can get any info. I love this Tele, but I have absolutely no idea what it is. Weird, huh ?

I was thinking of putting the USA bridge on here, and converting it back to a string through Tele. I'm not sure what to do now though.