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thick vintage style saddles for abr-1 ... where to get ?

Dr. Green

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 12, 2018
Messages
683
Hi GUYS - FIRST POST !

was wondering where I can find abr-1 saddles which are the thick vintage style as found on 50's guitars

looking at photos of old bursts - its seems that the saddles were much beefier

any comments ?

vintage-abr-1-saddle-08.jpg
 

Bruce R

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 2, 2007
Messages
1,029
Yeah, I noticed that, too. Looks as if the newer ones come to a higher, sharper point. I got some replacement saddles many years ago and they appear flatter.
 

Sol

Active member
Joined
Oct 26, 2001
Messages
775
50,s saddles do appear to have a wider base, a good thing surely. However I have many images of late 50,s saddles with a very narrow top providing a very narrow contact area for the string.
What are we to make of this?

Personally I file down the narrow, sharp tops of the saddles for a more comfort when muting with my right hand, as a result my strings have a broader contact with the saddle, this seems to provide a less 'toppy' treble for the b and e
But a thicker tone on e and a not always what I want.

This is a tricky area requiring more forum input..
 

Arnold M.

Active member
Joined
Mar 29, 2018
Messages
296
Vintage Maniacs has recently put out some new repro bridges with fat, stubby saddles such as the ones used in the late 50's ..59 to be exact .. seems they've been out for at least a few months that I know of ... from what I gather no one at all is interested as I haven't heard a word good or bad about them ... I would have ordered one but communicating with this outfit so far has been an exercise in futility
 

garywright

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 17, 2002
Messages
15,583
Vintage Maniacs has recently put out some new repro bridges with fat, stubby saddles such as the ones used in the late 50's ..59 to be exact .. seems they've been out for at least a few months that I know of ... from what I gather no one at all is interested as I haven't heard a word good or bad about them ... I would have ordered one but communicating with this outfit so far has been an exercise in futility

I just looked out their site ..the abr repros are really nice ..but navigation on the site is futile..that is, if you only read the queens English ..seems to be a mention of Area59 ?
 

BurstWurst

Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2008
Messages
568
The saddles on my 59 are worn well through the plating and somewhat rounded over (especially the E saddles) from play wear. Results in a very comfortable feel while palm muting. The sharp topped saddles on many historics I've played over the years have always annoyed/distracted me. Well worn saddles much less likely to draw blood in the "heat of battle". Nice to know someone is working to get the profile more accurate/comfortable.
 
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