Graphtech saddles for Love Rock LP

[hamfist]

I'd like to change the saddles in the bridge of my ALS90Q with a set of graphtech saddles.
However, I don't know what thread etc I will need.
Will either of these two be right ?

http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/products/3742-graphtech_string_saver_saddle_tune_o_matic_abr_1_6pcs_

http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/products/3726-graphtech_ss_saddle_tune_o_matic_gotoh_6pc_

 

[JohnA]

The second ones would PROBABLY fit, but why would you want to???

Get a brass saddled ABR if you are after an upgrade, I can't see the benefit of fitting graphite saddles to a LP.

 

[hamfist]

The second ones would PROBABLY fit, but why would you want to???

Get a brass saddled ABR if you are after an upgrade, I can't see the benefit of fitting graphite saddles to a LP.

I don't have a huge problem with string breakage with the standard saddles, but when I do break a string it's always at the saddle. I assumed with graphtech saddles I might get longer out of my strings.

I'm a bit strange, as I actually really like old strings. If I can get longer out of them then its a plus !

Am I wrong in assuming that graphtech saddles will be less stressful to the string at the string/saddle meeting than good brass saddles, for example ?

 

[JohnA]

I use brass saddles and don't have any problems at all breaking strings. I have 2 issues with graphite saddles.

Unless they are specifically designed for the bridge you are using they won't fit properly, loose saddles = buzz and loss of sustain.

Every component has some effect on how a guitar sounds and a 'proper' Les Paul has brass saddles.

 

[hamfist]

I have issues with graphite saddles.

Unless they are specifically designed for the bridge you are using they won't fit properly, loose saddles = buzz and loss of sustain.

That sounds reasonable. I'd be happy to buy a whole replacement bridge if need be. I'd also be very happy with brass too, so long as the saddles were made to a high standard with no sharp edges at all.

Can you recommend any particular bridge ?

Am I right in thinking that my guitar has an ABR-1 type bridge ?

Do you know what size studs and what the thread will be on the saddle screws on MIJ Tokai LP's ?

 

[JohnA]

I got my ABR's from forum member Togps he's the German Tokai Distributor, do a search for ABR and you'll find a link to some pics & info.

They are very good quality, and no sharp edges on them!

My Tokais are Japanese, I don't know too much about the Korean ones, probably better to check with someone who does.

 

[JohnA]

Just had a look for some pics of Korean ABR's. If you're looks like the one in the pic below (pinched from Richtone, hope they don't mind) then I don't think the ABR's like mine will fit, mine are old-style where the stud is screwed straight in to the wood so the hole in the ABR is smaller.

Could be wrong though

 

[hamfist]

Thanks John.
Mine is Jap too, and your description of your bridge sounds just like mine.
Looks like I might be getting a bridge from Togps sometime. I was aware of his stuff. All I'd need to decide is whether to go the whole hog and get the tailpiece and studs too !

Alan

 

[JohnA]

Whoops, for some reason I thought we were alking about a Korean guitar.

I've just got the ABR, will probably get the Faber kit too at some stage.

 

[ChicoBluez]

Wow! Graphtech saddles are the best. I have them on 3 of my guitars...none on my Tokais. I sent them the bridge from my Epi Dot and they loaded it up for no charge after getting the wrong size from 2 suppliers. Great product...Great company!

Chico 8)

 

[hamfist]

Wow! Graphtech saddles are the best. I have them on 3 of my guitars...none on my Tokais. I sent them the bridge from my Epi Dot and they loaded it up for no charge after getting the wrong size from 2 suppliers. Great product...Great company!

Chico 8)

Hey Chico, my friend ! Good to cross paths with you again. Was the Dot bridge an ABR-1 type or a Nashville type ?

 

[ChicoBluez]

Hey Alan!

Didn't want to repond directly just in case you needed some online space. I can tell you that I miss you on the TLSE site plenty.

It is the Nashville type (longer intonation screw travel) and I kept original. As mentioned, I had received the wrong size twice and gave Graphtech a call. I sent the head tech pictures of the bridge and he asked for it to be shipped to him. I got it back within 7 days and have yet to break a string in 2 years. Can't say enough about the product and company. Has something to do with being Canadians?? Here's a pic.

Chico 8)

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii194/ChicoBluez/Dot003.jpg

 

[hamfist]

and have yet to break a string in 2 years.

Now that's the sort of performance I would like from a set of saddles ! You've got me thinking again about trying out a set of the graphtechs. I'll see if I can find anywhere that will sell me some, with an option to return if they are the wrong thread, or are a loose fit.