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I remember reading of differences in the saddle width with vintage and reissue bridges. Here's a picture of a vintage bridge I previously had that has no gaps between the saddles



and this is a reissue bridge with gaps between them



Is this a universal feature of reissue bridges? Is there a downside to the gaps? I've seen some pictures of RI bridges that look as though they don't have gaps, or if there are they are not as visible. There's an example of that type in this auction.

check your link jamesie, it's not to an auction.

Cheers.

Edited.

The one in the auction looks to be a non Fender repro.

"This is a terrific Chrome Adjustable-saddle Mustang Guitar Bridge by MATCHMAKER. "

I can't stand the ones with the gaps in them. I string all my guitars with .09s and I'm heavy handed when I string bend and palm mute, it knocks the string spacing off.

The ebay one looks close to the vintage one. Perhaps the saddles aren't quite as bulky but it certainly looks better than the Fender RI ones.

I'm considering a project that would use a Mustang bridge and it doesn't quite seem worth shelling out for a vintage one but then I want something quite solid and the RI ones don't seem to cut it (I've not tried one properly, I'm going by what I hear so that might not be accurate).

James wrote:I'm considering a project that would use a Mustang bridge and it doesn't quite seem worth shelling out for a vintage one but then I want something quite solid and the RI ones don't seem to cut it (I've not tried one properly, I'm going by what I hear so that might not be accurate).

If it's for a project, then a vintage bridge wouldn't seem worth the value. The RI bridge spacing is one of those things that's had me turned off of the RI Mustangs in the past. I have bought a couple repros to refit a couple of my reissues and they gave been good (it escapes me what brand they are). I'd say repro is the way to go, but can't vouch for the quality of any particular brand.

I was just researching this very subject last night for a Jazzmaster that I don't yet have, and I came across this guy:

Warmoth Modified Mustang Bridge

I think the standard Mustang bridge is fixed at a 7.25" radius, so that's also something to keep in mind if using a different neck.

I'm sure the warmoth one used to only four of the saddles be adjustable. So you'd set the height of the other two by setting the overall height of the bridge and then adjust the other four from that point.

On my Warmoth Mustang, I used a Warmoth modified bridge. I like it, I guess. The main reason I got it was because of the compound radius. But considering it's over twice as much money as the one James posted, I'm not sure what benefit he would get from it.

My Jag-stang one has no spaces, and feels solid.
However, the one I got for my Jag and also the one that came with my Mustang has/had.
The spaces are a bit annoying as they move and it can knock the tring spacing off, also if the bass string saddle has moved then it can be at a bit of an angle and easier for the string to pop out.

avj wrote:I was just researching this very subject last night for a Jazzmaster that I don't yet have, and I came across this guy:

Warmoth Modified Mustang Bridge

I think the standard Mustang bridge is fixed at a 7.25" radius, so that's also something to keep in mind if using a different neck.

for about 50 dollars it better wash my non existant car as well.

my compstang and jagstang have the smaller saddles with the gaps. my 65RI has bigger saddles, with no gaps.


i don't get any string spacing issues with them like the other guys.....i mean i might but i just don't notice it because i don't pay attention to that shit.

BUT the ones with the spaces can rattle / buzz / make funky noises once in a while if they get too close to each other but don't actually butt up to each other when you play.

Josh wrote:for about 50 dollars it better wash my non existant car as well.

$50 isn't that bad. It's less than a 60s one goes for and those saddles will have had to have been made specially and in relatively small numbers. The market for aftermarket mustang bridges isn't very large at all. I think $50 is definitely reasonable.

Thom wrote:My Jag-stang one has no spaces, and feels solid.

robroe wrote:my compstang and jagstang have the smaller saddles with the gaps.

What's the story here? Is yours a replacement, Thom?

i can take photos for you when i get home from my parents on sunday of you want

No, not a replacement. And maybe not vintage style gapless but certainly smaller or less apparent than the others.
I'll try and take photos when I can.

If I can find the charger to our camera, I'll take some photos when I get home today too. I know I've got at least one of each: Warmoth, vintage, RI with gaps, RI without gaps and repro.

rodvonbon wrote:On my Warmoth Mustang, I used a Warmoth modified bridge. I like it, I guess. The main reason I got it was because of the compound radius. But considering it's over twice as much money as the one James posted, I'm not sure what benefit he would get from it.

Just throwin' it out there since it was fresh in my mind. James didn't really mention of the neck radius he intended on using, so I suppose that's where the potential benefit would come from. For me, it's worth spending the extra money to know I'm not always married to a 7.25" neck. You're definitely more well-versed than I am on all Mustang matters, but that was just my thinking.

Josh, I am sorry to learn that not only do you not have $50, but you also lack a vehicle. Keep your head up, friend. For the reasons James points out, it's really not that bad.

It's fairly likely I'll be using 7 1/4" but I'm waiting to hear back about the feasibility of it all before I start to get into specifics. Currently I'm looking into parts and trying to balance cost/quality (as in this thread) in order to see if I can actually go ahead.

avj wrote:

rodvonbon wrote:James didn't really mention of the neck radius he intended on using, so I suppose that's where the potential benefit would come from.

Ya know, your absolutely right. I hadn't even considered that. I get Mustang stuck in my head nad that's all I think about.
Looks like James may be into it too.