string through holes

[stng72]

Is there a difference to where the holes go on a hardtail bridge and a regular tele bridge?

[dsutton24]

There's not an easy answer to this question. When you say 'hardtail bridge' do you mean a Strat hardtail bridge? If so, which one? And by 'regular Tele bridge' are you talking about an American, Mexican, Squier or Afinity?

[stng72]

hardtail-short bridge with 6 saddles
regular tele- american traditional bridge

[Novatuc]

There is probably a difference in the position of the holes. Not sure about the bridges you mention but for Gotoh stuff there is about a 1/8" difference between the hardtail and the modern Tele. Also the string spacing is different, 2 1/8" versus 2 1/16". Hope that helps a bit.

[Jack Wells]

hardtail-short bridge with 6 saddles
regular tele- american traditional bridge

If by "American traditional bridge" you mean a vintage style bridge, consider all vintage bridges the same. It doesn't matter where or by whom they're made.

..........for Gotoh stuff there is about a 1/8" difference between the hardtail and the modern Tele.

How did you come up with this 1/8" difference? Seems to me you would just put the bridge holes over the body holes and mount the bridge. Also, 1/16 in. difference in string spacing is not worth consideration.

[Crafty Fox]

There can be differences in hole positions, eg, I've got an early Vintage RI which came with a type of Am Standard bridge as an extra. This Am Std fits perfectly but I bought a new Am Std bridge for my current build and found that the string-thru holes are in a different postion to the others. It's also thinner and lighter in weight than the older Am Std. All 3 are US made and so I expect there will be further differences in components made in other countries. Make sure you clarify the positions if you are using a StewMac template as it is drilled for Vintage.