Telecaster bridge question

Robbmonster

I'm just wondering if there is a reason why vintage-style telecaster bridges only screw in at the rear near the saddles. Four screws at the back end, none at the front end.

Why doesn't his cause the front end of the bridge to tilt upward when it's screwed in? Does putting the strings on help to anchor it down?

I'm asking because I will be looking to put a vintage-style bridge on my tele before too long and I just want to cover all my bases.

feedbackismyfriend

It would seem like it'd kill some of your sustain, but I dunno for sure

Robbmonster

I would have thought it would actually increase sustain by keeping all the components in closer contact.

To me, it just seems like a design flaw. But if it was, it would not have remained the same for close to 70 years. Dunno...

feedbackismyfriend

Well if the front end is hovering off of the body (which I would think it could possibly be slightly, I dun own a tele though so dun take my word for it) there would be less bridge to body contact... But I dun really know

jacksonjackass

Its probably what gives it that tele twang.

You could always drill a few holes in it to bolt it down more.

Robbmonster

mcconnachiea said: Its probably what gives it that tele twang.
You could always drill a few holes in it to bolt it down more.

Loooooove that tele twang.

As for drilling holes, it's what I probably would do. Just for my own piece of mind.

BanditGuitarist1

What do you mean? Looks pretty screwed down to me...

Robbmonster

What I mean is the end closest to the pickguard.

No screws there.

screaminglucyfer

bass bridges are the same. i think the strings push it down.