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Brass or Steel Saddles for a HH Tele?

Discussion in 'Other T-Types and Partscasters' started by ktdcpa, Sep 5, 2019.

  1. Sep 5, 2019 #1
    ktdcpa

    ktdcpa TDPRI Member

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    I'm in the process of building an MJT aged Tele. I want to go with a cut bridge with 3 compensated saddles. Even though the guitar looks old, I'm dropping in a Seymour Duncan Jazz/JB set...this is going to be my classic/hard rock guitar.

    Question. Should I go for standard brass saddles or steel? What would pair best with the hot JB? I'm less concerned about brand, I'm leaning toward Callahams, but open to suggestions. Three important things to me: 1) They intonate well, 2) They sound good, and 3) they look good...vintage vibe appreciated.

    Let me know what you think and thanks for your insight.
     
    Mincer likes this.
  2. Sep 5, 2019 #2
    Shuster

    Shuster Poster Extraordinaire

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  3. Sep 5, 2019 #3
    Stiles

    Stiles Tele-Meister

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    I have brass on my Hum, but I’m also curious about steel
     
  4. Sep 5, 2019 #4
    archetype

    archetype Fiend of Leo's

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    Trying cheap sets will provide direction for the expensive set to buy. Get cheap brass and steel sets. Try each set. Report back to us.

    Seriously.
     
  5. Sep 5, 2019 #5
    jackal

    jackal Tele-Afflicted Gold Supporter

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    For a HH set-up, I'd consider titanium.
     
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  6. Sep 6, 2019 #6
    ktdcpa

    ktdcpa TDPRI Member

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    Shuster likes this.
  7. Sep 6, 2019 #7
    ktdcpa

    ktdcpa TDPRI Member

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    Interesting thought. I wonder how the JB would respond to TI. My concern would be it may get a bit ice picky...could be wrong.
     
  8. Sep 6, 2019 #8
    schmee

    schmee Poster Extraordinaire

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    I'm told brass is brighter in general. Maybe that's good with humbucker muddy low end ? But some HB's are bright on the top...?
     
  9. Sep 6, 2019 #9
    Shuster

    Shuster Poster Extraordinaire

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    All I can say about them is they are better than the OEM, never have tried those 3,,,
     
  10. Sep 6, 2019 #10
    Nick Fanis

    Nick Fanis Poster Extraordinaire Ad Free Member

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    You were told wrong.
    Steel is brighter.
    But with humbuckers and a dirty amp I don't think anyone will notice any difference anyway...
     
  11. Sep 6, 2019 #11
    schmee

    schmee Poster Extraordinaire

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    Yeah I got that backwards.
     
  12. Sep 6, 2019 #12
    jvin248

    jvin248 Poster Extraordinaire

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    Use Steel on E and A, Brass on D-g and b-e.

    .
     
  13. Sep 7, 2019 #13
    ktdcpa

    ktdcpa TDPRI Member

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    Thanks for all the feedback. I purchased two sets of the Callaham Vintage Enhanced saddles...one brass, and one steel. I'll try em both out, mix em, and let you know what I think.
     
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  14. Sep 7, 2019 #14
    thesjkexperienc

    thesjkexperienc Tele-Holic

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    I’d go steel or titanium for a more open sound. I’m a Strat guy so it may not be too surprising I prefer that sound. I do have brass on an Esquire I made that is my #1 um Tele, but I think I’m going for Broadcaster style saddles soon. YMMV, but I actually get better intonation with straight saddles vs the angled versions.
     
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