View Full Version : What good is intonating a vintage bridge on a strat?
The saddles flop around when you change stings, they never stay 100 percent in the exact same place. WTF? I'm talking about vintage saddles style not the square ones that were on previous USA strats..big flaw on strats.
dazco
02-28-2009, 10:20 PM
I never had that issue. I intonate mine maybe every year or so and it's usually very close.
buddastrat
02-28-2009, 10:23 PM
Me either. they stay pretty solid.
I have noticed they move a bit left or right... never bothered me some years ago but I have become a intonation freak. Damn thing has to be in perfect tune now.It's very minor but noticeable.
lanny
02-28-2009, 10:32 PM
Never a problem in the 18 years I've had my strat.
Never a problem in the 18 years I've had my strat.
Maybe you just don't notice it? I bet if you checked the intonation every time it would be off some.
shane88
02-28-2009, 10:53 PM
it shouldn't be an issue but i'd rather there was a little locating notch in the centre of vintage type saddles
it shouldn't be an issue but i'd rather there was a little locating notch in the centre of vintage type saddles
I agree. That and something where they would lock into place. I know it's a classic but let's get real.
Butterscotch
03-01-2009, 02:34 AM
Never had a problem with that!
rhinocaster
03-01-2009, 02:37 AM
If you're looking for perfection, you shouldn't be playing a guitar in the first place.
It's all about compromise.
benjammin420
03-01-2009, 02:43 AM
when the strings are in tune, the tension should hold the saddles in place.
should. the saddles on my strat seemed to wobble too much, and they were getting worn-out grooves, and it was suggested to me to try adding another set of(or replacing with stronger set of) the springs that the saddle are mounted with.
If you're looking for perfection, you shouldn't be playing a guitar in the first place.
It's all about compromise.
It matters when you are getting paid..and BTW I love strats. I just hate headaches.
rhinocaster
03-01-2009, 03:06 AM
It matters when you are getting paid..and BTW I love strats. I just hate headaches.
I understand what you're saying. Still, it seems every time we take care of a shortcoming of the instrument, we end up giving something else up.
There have been untold numbers of players that have been able to cash a paycheck using the traditional Fender saddles, but I understand that they bother you.
Maybe an option for you would be a Mann Made Trem that has a tendency for less movement of saddles when changing strings. I guess I can consider myself fortunate that I can't hear the difference in intonation that comes with a string change. I CAN notice a difference in intonation with the increased pressure I put on the strings after slamming a Red Bull though!
bluesjunior
03-01-2009, 03:08 AM
Wobbling about from side to side will have little effect on intonation unless they actually rotated clockwise or anti clockwise. The thread on the bolt and saddle is a fine thread and therefore very strong and precise.
Keyser Soze
03-01-2009, 07:40 AM
I check intonation with every string change. Of course, I only change them about once every 3-4 weeks or less. I'd say I have to tweak intonation on at least one string about every other change (rough average.)
But i also have to adjust intonation on TOM guitars also. Which is a tremendous PITA compared to the ease of adjusting intonation on Fender style bridges.
BobbyRay
03-01-2009, 07:57 AM
It matters when you are getting paid..and BTW I love strats. I just hate headaches.
I've been getting over on people for years now! I only intonate my guitar saddles every so often (usually more than a year) and am still getting paid! I magine that. Playing an instrument that is not in tune PERFECTLY.
I played with a guy who was an intonation freak. Annoying as hell. It was really hard to get any momentum going on stage because he had to tune in between everysong, or at least check his tuning. What a PITA!
buddastrat
03-01-2009, 08:17 AM
Maybe you just don't notice it? I bet if you checked the intonation every time it would be off some.
I check mine and it's usually fine. I love the vintage bridge. My tele three barrel will drift a little but not the strats. That bridge is fine.
1959burst
03-01-2009, 08:34 AM
no problem in the 40+ years of playing vintage strats.......................and yes i'm an intonation freak.
rockstarjay
03-01-2009, 05:51 PM
Change your strings one at a time.
Tone_Terrific
03-01-2009, 07:17 PM
The saddles flop around when you change stings, they never stay 100 percent in the exact same place. WTF? I'm talking about vintage saddles style not the square ones that were on previous USA strats..big flaw on strats.
If they are returning to the position of fully extended (they should, with only a little help) your intonation problem may stem from another source.
If you have ever had a guitar with perfect intonation (in all positions) you have achieved the impossible.
bluesjuke
03-01-2009, 07:19 PM
Never been a problem for me.
Once the string is replaced the saddles sit where they were to begin with.
Length stays the same.
TBIRD Phil
03-02-2009, 01:14 AM
The only problem I've EVER had with the intonation on my strat is when I switched from D'addario's to DR's. DR's never seem to stay right from each string change. I quickly went back to D'addario's. Come to think of it every guitar I own that I put DR's on was never close to the "common" saddle pattern.
kurtsstuff
03-02-2009, 01:23 AM
Intonation is for sissy's.......:stir
HurricaneJesus
03-02-2009, 08:49 AM
That's like saying 'What good is taking showers.' It just beats the alternative, dude.
harryjmic
03-02-2009, 08:54 AM
The reason for the error probably has more to do with "string to string" differences then anything that is happening with the guitar.
pickaguitar
03-02-2009, 08:56 AM
my saddles don't 'flop' around...maybe left or right a smidge in which I move them back
gkoelling
03-02-2009, 11:19 AM
Those saddles have been in use for over 50 years without issues, if you're bothered that much look for a different guitar.
I am blessed (or cursed) with perfect pitch. That said, I play strats and find the intonation more than acceptable. As a matter of fact, guitars are inherently imperfect and probably sound better when the intonation is a little 'off'. The players technique and hands will correct for the subtle differences. If you want a perfectly intonated guitar, check here. I have played one of these and they sound good but try running one through your OD pedal with some dirt on the amp and they sound 'wrong'.....
http://www.truetemperament.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=36
Mark Robinson
03-02-2009, 05:34 PM
For starters, the only thing with any brains or choices to make around that Strat is YOU. So you have to be your own best friend. When I started with Strats, I remember scratching around pretty hard and being somewhat disgusted too.
One way to get around this issue is to be deliberate and consistent in what you do, then the instrument will meet your expectations more consistently.
How much do you use the tremolo? Do you need it to pull up? If you don't use it to pull up, then you have the option of tightening the claw screws enough to pull the bridge body down onto the guitar. This will make your saddle to nut distance very consistent.
If you really do use the bar to pull up and float, you are going to need additional patience. First thing to decide is to get real consistent on what guage and brand of strings you are going to use. Nail that down. Not just the guages, because from brand to brand, the ratio of core to winding, and the alloy will vary, and the tension balance and intonation will vary right along, and your only hope is consistency, practice it.
Get used to checking the truss rod of the instrument, and adjust it as often as necessary, using a reference engineers scale or some sort of spacing shim, and then keep the relief consistent. If the humidity changes and the neck bows either way, the intonation is affected.
Don't wait to replace broken strings. I have a neighbor who brings me his sorry assed guitar about every other year, usually with two or more broken strings, and of course without tension, the saddles can move.
One thing I like to do is change my strings at least 24 hours prior to a gig, stretch them out moderately and carefully, play the guitar for a half hour then set it aside for the night. Re-stretch the next day and re-tune etc.
You have to know how to wind strings properly on the tuners, no more than three wraps on non-locking tuners. And do it tidy with a tie back if it's a tuner with a hole. Your Strat should have split posts with the hole in the middle, cut the string two tuners past, tuck it in, wind it neatly with each wind below the prior wrap. If you really want to use the trem alot, get the nut reviewed or re-made professionally from progressive material , and install graduated height locking tuners, and set aside the henious string trees.
These are the steps I've applied to get more predictable results from Strats. YMMV and I'm certain that there are other good tips out there.
Best of luck to you, hang tough, don't give up. A Strat running right is one of life's finest pleasures, you can get there.
Steve Gambrell
03-02-2009, 09:02 PM
NO guitar has ever been, nor will it ever be, completely and perfectly. And anyone who called himself an "intonation freak," will only injure himself. Tuning, and intonation, are two different dogs, and you can't pet 'em both.
benjammin420
03-03-2009, 12:03 AM
That's like saying 'What good is taking showers.' It just beats the alternative, dude.
hahahaha
kimock
03-03-2009, 12:37 AM
The saddles flop around when you change stings, they never stay 100 percent in the exact same place. WTF? I'm talking about vintage saddles style not the square ones that were on previous USA strats..big flaw on strats.
If you hang onto the guitar and play it enough, those saddles will eventually funk/rust into place.
Alternately. . .
One piece bridges sound way better if you don't like all those fidgety little metal bits.
You never have to worry about the intonation after that either, it's done.
Set. Same way every time. It's really a lot easier.
But yeah, most of the modern hardware is pretty bad. Agreed.
peace
They move around a bit. I have been playing for 28 years... never a big deal but just a bit of a pain in the ass. I just wanted some opinions because I thought I was going crazy..maybe I am. My Les Paul I never worry about because the saddles never move, same brand of strings etc. I also never use the trem on the strat it is flush to the body. How in the hell does a floyd stay intonated if when you are using the fine tuners it moves the saddle around,back and forth? Or is it up and down? I hate those things.
Voodoo Blues
03-03-2009, 05:33 AM
If you had the right length of spring on the intonation screw it would not be a problem.
mc5nrg
03-03-2009, 06:18 AM
Psst...the fine tuners on a FR don't move the string saddles, they move the ball end of the string.
gkoelling
03-03-2009, 07:12 AM
They move around a bit. I have been playing for 28 years... never a big deal but just a bit of a pain in the ass. I just wanted some opinions because I thought I was going crazy..maybe I am. My Les Paul I never worry about because the saddles never move, same brand of strings etc. I also never use the trem on the strat it is flush to the body. How in the hell does a floyd stay intonated if when you are using the fine tuners it moves the saddle around,back and forth? Or is it up and down? I hate those things.
How 'bout a hard tail?
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f115/gjk318/Gear/012.jpg
Not this one, of course.
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