NHC: Question for Tele players (non-T-51)

[Biz Prof]

Those of you Tele slingers who rock vintage/ashtray bridges: Do you use compensating saddles? If so, what style/brand do you recommend to (1) Solve the inherent intonation issues with 3-barrel bridges and (2) retain a reasonable amount of snap/twang that is common to 3-barrel bridges?

I hear many, many good things about the offset saddles from Wilkinson (from John Suhr and Terry McInturff, no less) and from Hipshot, but some guys insist upon significantly more expensive offerings from Barden, Callaham, Rutters, and the like. And, yes, I know that there are marathon threads about this at TDPRI, which is exactly why I'm asking a more neutral audience.

Thanks in advance for your $0.02.

[aknapp]

I'm happy with the sound and intonation of the Barden bridge I got off E-bay for $40. Needs to have slight amount of slotting to keep the strings in place, but it definitely twangs. The Barden bridge has 2 extra screws ahead of the pickup cutout to help prevent squealing.

Guitarfetish has the Wilky bridge w/compensated saddles for $30:

http://www.guitarfetish.com/Wilkinson-Compensated-Tele-Bridge-Brass-Saddles_p_873.html

If you are handy with a drill, you can probably add the 2 extra holes yourself.

[Sugartune]

I made a swap from the stocks to the Wilkinson compensated brass barrels.

It solved the intonation issues and maintained the snap/twang.

I really liked the change.

[atomicwash]

Barden bridge. I usually replace outside set screws for shorter ones to avoid sharp ends.

[JES1680]

I looked at all the high end stuff, but it can get pricey real quick. I like brass over steel, so I went with these from RS Guitarworks and love them, inexpensive at $12.95 as well.

http://store.rsguitarworks.net/rs-compensated-tele-style-saddles-brass/dp/23

[Biz Prof]

Thanks for the replies, gents.

I looked at all the high end stuff, but it can get pricey real quick. I like brass over steel, so I went with these from RS Guitarworks and love them, inexpensive at $12.95 as well.

http://store.rsguitarworks.net/rs-compensated-tele-style-saddles-brass/dp/23

This is exactly what I ended up ordering. They're for a near-mint MIM BSB FSR '52 I got from a local guy; tweed case and everything for the HFC-approved price. I'll post a brief report on the performance of the saddles once they're installed.

[Biz Prof]

Update: I installed the RS Guitarworks compensated brass saddles this afternoon. The intonation is damn-near perfect. It took longer to screw them onto the ashtray than it did to adjust them. Not bad for < $20.

[Gino]

I have a Callaham 3-(compensated brass-)saddle bridge on my Am Std. Tele and like it a lot