First tele build. Bridge????

I'm beginning my first tele build. I've built a strat and I absolutely love it and now I'm acquiring tele parts. But I'm not sure on the bridge. I would like to go with a vintage type 3 saddle but intonating it seems like it would be nearly impossible. I could go with a 6 saddle however it would have a much more modern look which I don't really want. What do you guys think 6 or 3 or wilkinson compensated 3 (however they work I'm not sure)?

I'm certainly no expert. But on my first Tele (http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-home-depot/297153-my-first-try-paisley-too.html) I used a vintage type bridge and 3 brass compensated saddles. They don't show in the photos there, but I really do like them. They intonate very well.

In the Tele type I just finished (http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-home-depot/314505-2nd-guitar-partial-build-w-sparkles.html#post4185774), I used a vintage type bridge plate with 6 stainless steel saddles. I'm just not liking these saddles as much as the 3 compensated brass. They're actually pretty annoying trying to get them height-adjusted properly without the adjustment screws buzzing.

That's just my experience. YMMV.

The compensated bridges work great. If you don't like the look of 6 saddle bridges and you're Tele doesn't need to be "vintage correct" it's the way to go.

The way I look at it, it would appear to be correct from just a couple feet away. Just my thoughts. I think I'll go that way when the time comes.

just get a pat pend fender bridge for $15 and get some compensazted saddles.

I have no problem intonating the Wilkinson compensated 3 saddle bridge on my guitars and they are $20 at http://www.azguitarparts.com
I have used the half bridge and the full bridge from Wilkinson with no problems.

The vintage 3 saddle bridge can be made to intonate. If you really want the vintage look it's worth learning to do. If by 'vintage look' you mean 'sharp edges to bust my knuckles open on', then go with the Wilkinsons.

I use both the modern bridge and vintage bridge, depending on what I'm trying to accomplish. The choice is purely aesthetic.

The vintage 3 saddle bridge can be made to intonate. If you really want the vintage look it's worth learning to do. If by 'vintage look' you mean 'sharp edges to bust my knuckles open on', then go with the Wilkinsons.

I use both the modern bridge and vintage bridge, depending on what I'm trying to accomplish. The choice is purely aesthetic.

Yep - I got my vintage bridge to intonate pretty much perfectly without compensated saddles. Anyway, isn't 'a bit out of tune' part of the vintage Tele sound? :)

I made this 3-saddle bridge out of aluminum angle and some brass rod.

http://mojotronics.com/images/Guitar_builds/2012_TDPRI_Challenge/5_13_2/IMG_0773.JPG
http://mojotronics.com/images/Guitar_builds/2012_TDPRI_Challenge/5_13_2/good_4.jpg

I'm very picky about intonation and the 3-saddle design intonates quite well. When I get to a point where a string will not quite get there I just take a small triangle file and file into the saddle to move the string a little more forward or backwards. This may not work for all string sizes and action levels - but after dealing with a lot of different bridges, the 3-saddle has always worked just as well as a 6-saddle bridge for me WRT intonation.

Having used all kinds of bridges over the decades; I really like a lot of them, but for tone and simplicity, I keep coming back to the 3-saddle Tele design - Leo really did get it right the first time. I would not bother with compensated saddles - the triangle file will get you to perfection on a standard Tele saddle.

Just use the Wilkinson bridge & be done with it. They're inexpensive, good quality & the saddles will intonate just fine.

Bob

Just finished my second bridge sawp in two weeks on two mims and went with the Wilkinson on both. Absolutely zero problems. One has 9's the other has 10's. I don't really care for the 9's with this bridge but the guitar belongs to my Nephew and he'll love it.

Find your scale length. Get a tape measure, a tuner, a screw driver and the allen key that comes with it and follow the instructions on the Fender site concerning 3 saddle set up and you'll be smilin' in 20 minutes.


Good luck.

Jeff

I made this 3-saddle bridge out of aluminum angle and some brass rod.

http://mojotronics.com/images/Guitar_builds/2012_TDPRI_Challenge/5_13_2/IMG_0773.JPG
http://mojotronics.com/images/Guitar_builds/2012_TDPRI_Challenge/5_13_2/good_4.jpg

I'm very picky about intonation and the 3-saddle design intonates quite well. When I get to a point where a string will not quite get there I just take a small triangle file and file into the saddle to move the string a little more forward or backwards. This may not work for all string sizes and action levels - but after dealing with a lot of different bridges, the 3-saddle has always worked just as well as a 6-saddle bridge for me WRT intonation.

Having used all kinds of bridges over the decades; I really like a lot of them, but for tone and simplicity, I keep coming back to the 3-saddle Tele design - Leo really did get it right the first time. I would not bother with compensated saddles - the triangle file will get you to perfection on a standard Tele saddle.

Every time I see this pick I think this has got to be one of the most comfortable guitars to play you'll ever see. Nice.......