MIJ Steel saddles...or not?

GuitarJonz · May 3rd, 2006, 03:39 PM

This is not a pic of my tele, but my MIJ 84 SQ Squier tele has the same slotted saddles (I always thought they were steel saddles), and mine are also wearing through to reveal what is apparently brass underneath. I assume that these were brass saddles that were dipped in a steel coating, is that right?? Why would they bother doing that? Purely cosmetic? It seems that it would have been cheaper to just use plain brass. I assume that the steel coating would not have much of a tonal effect, since most of the mass is brass.

Johnny Isaacs · May 3rd, 2006, 09:08 PM

After a long phone conversation with Fuzzy, he told me that in the 80's some of the MIJ Squier Tele's "steel" bridge piece's were made of a hard PLASTIC with some type of metal/foil coating! I don't know if this is what you have, but after him telling me that, I've looked closely at a lot of different Tele's and sure enough - plastic! I don't know if this is what you have. If they are really steel, get out a good magnet and you'll know right away.

FWIW, I love the MIJ steel saddles. They are my favorites!

Johnny Isaacs

Scott S · May 4th, 2006, 04:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuitarJonz

This is not a pic of my tele, but my MIJ 84 SQ Squier tele has the same slotted saddles (I always thought they were steel saddles), and mine are also wearing through to reveal what is apparently brass underneath. I assume that these were brass saddles that were dipped in a steel coating, is that right?? Why would they bother doing that? Purely cosmetic? It seems that it would have been cheaper to just use plain brass. I assume that the steel coating would not have much of a tonal effect, since most of the mass is brass.

The original saddles on my MIM were like that -- chrome-plated brass. Perhaps they wanted something that would look "new" longer?

Pete Galati · May 4th, 2006, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott S

The original saddles on my MIM were like that -- chrome-plated brass. Perhaps they wanted something that would look "new" longer?

That seems likely. I like the look of brass, but brass does tarnish.

Pete

May 3rd, 2006, 03:39 PM	#1 (permalink)
GuitarJonz Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Central Mass. Posts: 2,761 7 Photos	MIJ Steel saddles...or not? This is not a pic of my tele, but my MIJ 84 SQ Squier tele has the same slotted saddles (I always thought they were steel saddles), and mine are also wearing through to reveal what is apparently brass underneath. I assume that these were brass saddles that were dipped in a steel coating, is that right?? Why would they bother doing that? Purely cosmetic? It seems that it would have been cheaper to just use plain brass. I assume that the steel coating would not have much of a tonal effect, since most of the mass is brass.

May 3rd, 2006, 09:08 PM	#2 (permalink)
Johnny Isaacs Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 1,459 3 Photos	Here's a crazy thing I just learned.... After a long phone conversation with Fuzzy, he told me that in the 80's some of the MIJ Squier Tele's "steel" bridge piece's were made of a hard PLASTIC with some type of metal/foil coating! I don't know if this is what you have, but after him telling me that, I've looked closely at a lot of different Tele's and sure enough - plastic! I don't know if this is what you have. If they are really steel, get out a good magnet and you'll know right away. FWIW, I love the MIJ steel saddles. They are my favorites! Johnny Isaacs __________________ Myspace music page I've never trusted a guitar player who hasn't licked a few 9volts... Famous last words...... after this one, no new Tele's!