G&L ASAT Classic Bridge - Poor Design?

[bottomfeeder]

I recently purchased a used G&L ASAT Classic on Reverb. I was having a hell of a time chasing string buzz problems. Then I saw that where the strings pass up through the bridge plate to the saddles, they touch and/or bind against the sides of the intonation scews/springs. This seems to be causing the buzzing issues and is also racking the saddles so the slots are not completely perpendicular to the strings. I'm also pretty sure this is responsible for the complaints I've seen posted about dead/thumpy low E and A strings on ASATs. Anyone else seen this issue on their ASAT? I've always been a big G&L fan, but this is a really poor design.

 

[green_henry]

I didn't have any issues with mine except that I found it a little uncomfortable. Replaced it with a Gotoh and am very happy.

 

[mfguitar]

I have one of those guitars in my Avatar, never noticed that before. I went and pulled it out and sure enough it is identical to your pic but I never had any buzz issues with mine. I will agree the deign is not great.

 

[Bluego1]

I recently purchased a used G&L ASAT Classic on Reverb. I was having a hell of a time chasing string buzz problems. Then I saw that where the strings pass up through the bridge plate to the saddles, they touch and/or bind against the sides of the intonation scews/springs. This seems to be causing the buzzing issues and is also racking the saddles so the slots are not completely perpendicular to the strings. I'm also pretty sure this is responsible for the complaints I've seen posted about dead/thumpy low E and A strings on ASATs. Anyone else seen this issue on their ASAT? I've always been a big G&L fan, but this is a really poor design.

I don’t have one, but here’s a couple stock photos of brand new ones for sale on the interwebs. They look like yours.

 

[bottomfeeder]

On further investigation, I've also determined that my bridge is not installed square (it's crooked). This is most likely making the problem worse. I guess that's the price you pay for a hand built guitar, but it doesn't speak well for G&L's QA/QC. Looking at these additional pics is disturbing. Does G&L think this is an acceptable design?

 

[Cali Dude]

Interesting, I have had 3 G&L Asat guitars, and have never had an issue with string buzz. Maybe a setup would help.

 

[bottomfeeder]

I found all this while doing a set up.
I've owned and set up many Teles and setting them up is usually a snap, especially compared to offset body Fenders. This is my first ASAT and it's been a pain in the ass. I'm not a G&L basher. In my past experience, they offer a superior product.

 

[bottomfeeder]

She's a sweet guitar. I'm thinking of ordering a Glendale bridge. She's worth it.

 

[sudogeek]

The string, under tension, pushing against the spring seems more likely to - imo - dampen spring vibration and buzz than cause it. Certainly, I have no buzzing problems with my ASAT Classic.

I would check the saddle height adjustment screws - one or more may be loose. I’ve found that to be an issue from time to time.

 

[Nick Fanis]

Αll vintage style ashtray bridges with six saddles are junk.
Your guitar is in dire need of a REAL bridge

https://www.stewmac.com/parts-and-h...tar-bridges/gotoh-modern-bridge-for-tele.html

 

[bottomfeeder]

The string, under tension, pushing against the spring seems more likely to - imo - dampen spring vibration and buzz than cause it. Certainly, I have no buzzing problems with my ASAT Classic.

I would check the saddle height adjustment screws - one or more may be loose. I’ve found that to be an issue from time to time.

Oh yeah, I've found that. The downward pressure on the saddles tends to rest on only one of the height adjustment screws, so the other one rattles loose.

 

[stormsedge]

Both of mine are this way on the top two strings. No buzz, but a dampening effect (which I have not noticed) may have merit. I'll certainly investigate further.

 

[bottomfeeder]

Αll vintage style ashtray bridges with six saddles are junk.
Your guitar is in dire need of a REAL bridge

https://www.stewmac.com/parts-and-h...tar-bridges/gotoh-modern-bridge-for-tele.html

I hear you, but I dont like that heavier bridge/saddle design. I'm going to get a compensating 3 brass saddle bridge.

 

[Blrfl]

Maybe it's an optical illusion, but the saddles for everything but the low E look wider than the one for the low E. The screws look increasingly less-perpendicular to the edge of the plate as you go toward the high E, which you don't see in the pictures Bluego1 posted. Might it be that the previous owner replaced all but one of the saddles with a set that are too wide? That doesn't seem like something G&L would have produced.

 

[bottomfeeder]

Both of mine are this way on the top two strings. No buzz, but a dampening effect (which I have not noticed) may have merit. I'll certainly investigate further.

All 6 strings on mine are at issue. The lower 3 strings are deflected on an angle around the springs like in the pictures. The G B and high E are touching against the springs. I think this more drastic effect is due to the crooked bridge plate.

 

[bottomfeeder]

Maybe it's an optical illusion, but the saddles for everything but the low E look wider than the one for the low E. The screws look increasingly less-perpendicular to the edge of the plate as you go toward the high E, which you don't see in the pictures Bluego1 posted. Might it be that the previous owner replaced all but one of the saddles with a set that are too wide? That doesn't seem like something G&L would have produced.

I see what you mean in the picture. So I just measured them and they're all 5/16" wide

 

[bottomfeeder]

Would someone be willing to measure your saddle widths and let me know the results. Maybe mine are aftermarket replacements.

 

[stormsedge]

Do you mean 7/16"? This on my G&L ASAT Classic LE Tribute.

 

[Gravel Road]

Here is what I did with my left handed model

 

[stormsedge]

I ordered a couple of Gotoh Moderns...about due for a string change anyway.

Nope...changed my mind...gonna run with them a while.