Toploader bridge for American Standard

[KokoTele]

A customer of mine is looking for a replacement bridge for his American Standard Tele (3 mounting screws) and wants a toploader.

I'm not aware of any, and searching hasn't turned up any. The closest thing I found was a post on the TDPRI from 2010 asking the same question, but getting no leads. Thought I'd ask here just to make sure I had all the bases covered. Anyone know of one that's available?

 

[Ira7]

Aren't there ethical and moral reasons why you shouldn't do it?

 

[boris bubbanov]

Well, there's this Hipshot bridge assembly that's toploader ready:

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1574/0577/files/44100-33.PDF?16721280267932483745

You get 3 compensated brass barrels, not the 6 saddles. This resolves the issue of the toploaded strings and the block or bent steel saddles fighting over the same space. $ 120 is I think the stated price - not sure what the retail price is.

 

[KokoTele]

The Hipshot one might be a good option. Thanks for the link.

 

[screamin eagle]

What about contacting a company like Armadillo and see if they can drill one of their bridges for top loading to fit an American Standard?

 

[DanDII]

Rutters:

(link removed)

String through or top load, $130-$140 depending on saddle choice.

 

[nojazzhere]

Aren't there ethical and moral reasons why you shouldn't do it?

Jim Campilongo and I () both like top-loaders.

 

[KokoTele]

This looks like a great option. Thanks!

Rutters:

(link removed)

String through or top load, $130-$140 depending on saddle choice.

 

[Mike Eskimo]

Also, don't put it on there, but an early MIM top load rattle hammer (buzz hammer ? Hmmm, I guess both...) bridge will fit right on your body and use the same three bridgeplate mounting holes that are there. You could do it in far less than 5 minutes.

(image removed)

 

[robt57]

I have re-drilled an AS Tele plate for 3 compensated barrel setup and used the 6 original saddle holes for the string thru holes with success years ago.

 

[warrent]

if they are into titanium
https://www.guitarfetish.com/XGP-SO...aster-Bridge-3-Ti-Barrel-Saddles_p_19803.html

also if the metric three hole bridges fit (i'm not sure they do) then you can get this
and put in better saddles. It's steel and cheap

https://www.aliexpress.com/store/pr...9074.html?spm=2114.12010612.0.0.53ab5d1Fcb50J

 

[boris bubbanov]

I have re-drilled an AS Tele plate for 3 compensated barrel setup and used the 6 original saddle holes for the string thru holes with success years ago.

I did some work on doing this, but among other things, you've still got the yellow metal chromed bridge plate - which is not so good. I also made aluminum saddles and in retrospect that only made things worse.

 

[KokoTele]

Fortunately, cooler heads have prevailed and he has decided to keep the setup he has. Part of it was that he wanted to keep the upgraded block saddles he has and likes, part of it was that he didn't want to spend real money on it.

Thanks for the replies, everyone.

 

[reckless meanie]

You can’t do that. That’s what they do on the cheap ones. If you put a top loader on the guitar will sound like a Squier.

 

[KokoTele]

You can’t do that. That’s what they do on the cheap ones. If you put a top loader on the guitar will sound like a Squier.

Or a '59 ;-)

 

[reckless meanie]

Or a '59 ;-)

I guess it’s ok then as long as it only sounds like the 59’ and not Squier.

 

[Taborcaster]

For the sake of completing the record, Mastery makes a chopped 3-hole mount top loader.

https://masterybridge.com/product/m8-2/

 

[ConsiderMeMiles]

Glendale makes several varieties, including a lip-less option (what I have, and strongly recommend).

http://www.glendaleguitars.com/glendale2.htm

If not currently in stock, send them a note inquiring.