r/telecaster • u/MGiang003 • 2d ago

Can i swap these barrel saddle to a modern one?

I got this beaten up tele from old warehouse. these saddle looks fairly good in term of condition but i want to swap it to blocky modern one for looks. Does it need to be an offset type cuz this one doesnt seem like it use normal saddles

from this
to this?
2 Upvotes

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u/BuzzBotBaloo 2d ago edited 2d ago

No, at least not that bridge. The bridge currently installed is a “top-loader” bridge (string through the back of bridge) and the replacement is a “string-thru” deisgn (strings go all the way through the body).

The problem you are going to run into is the modern block saddles are designed fro the string to come up and through the middle of the saddle from underneath, that's not possible with a top loader.

2

u/Wet_in_Seattle 2d ago edited 2d ago

American Standard Bridge has top loader option. Mine has this one

Model #: 0990808000

$64 on sweetwater

I use string through body options, but this only one that can do both. Has “ashtray” cover as well.

.

0

u/BuzzBotBaloo 2d ago edited 2d ago

That 0990808000 bridge is a American Professional bridge, which is a proprietary to the Am Pro/Am Pro II Tele and is not a drop-in replacement for an 3-screw American Standard/American Series bridge. It would require the OP to drill two new mounting holes to use.

1

u/Wet_in_Seattle 2d ago edited 2d ago

Agreed but with classic style three brass adjustments; a center hole doesn’t work without disassembly. So two extra holes makes sense for installation and is more secure.

Securing with outer two, drill two 7/64” pilot holes 1” deep, remove, clean up, and install.

1

u/BuzzBotBaloo 1d ago

But that still wouldn’t give the “modern bridge” look the OP desires.