Saddle Shootout: Graphtech vs. Fender Bent Steel

I start with the Fender Bent Steel saddles, then the Graph techs at about 2:30.

I've always been a believer that many small changes make a big change. I've heard tele masters talk about how essential brass saddles are to authentic tele tone, and so I thought I'd give it a shot with my strat. I originally had the graph tech saddles on this strat, but I swapped them for Fender Bent Steel saddles. To my ear I thought the graph techs were a little dull and rolled off some high end. They also have a bit of a different feel, especially when I dig in on the low strings. They are softer and have less bounce. I wondered if maybe that was just in my head, a placebo effect. Here's what I have to show for it.

In the end I will probably stick with the graph techs simply because the Fenders have very short legs and I can't get my action up high enough...weird

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[FullEffectDJ]

After watching your video. I put the Graphtech Original (all Teflon) Saddles on my 2000 Fender American Strat. Amazing sound. It really helps the harmonics (the natural harmonics that occur with regular notes/chords) and I prefer them to the original fender saddles. Sustain is 20% more... it just made the guitar play more in tune in a weird way. Most guitars if you really strum a string or chord hard, it will go way sharp, and then back to in pitch. With these saddles it's right in immediately.

[kleydj13]

@FullEffectDJ - Nice, its crazy how something so minor can have a big impact.

[Rich915]

I've been using Graph-Tech string-savrs for years & get plenty of chime & bite out of them. Personally, I like to tame the highs somewhat, so as they are not as apparant in the overall sound!

You can get longer saddle height screws from Callaham if your existing screws are are USA #4-40 threads [$0.30 cents each #4-40 3/8"] or, try changing your neck angle w/ a shim in the neck pocket! In your case, a business card shim placed on the tuner side of the pocket should rasie your strings some.

[kleydj13]

@Rich915 - Thanks for the tips. I listen to this video and I think the tone difference is more in my head than it is real. Maybe I just like the look of the bent steel saddles too. I appreciate those setup tips and will be sure to use them to get this baby dialed in. Thanks!

[GardenStreetBand]

I've done this as well on my USA Deluxe strat. I actually swapped the 2 point bridge with a wilkinsons vintage bridge with bent steel saddles and it really does pick the highs out a lot more. I love the change in tone, though the modern style bridge is smoother and rounder I would say if you want the full chime a strat can give, you need the bent saddles.

[kleydj13]

@GardenStreetBand - Yeah, I like it. I think it matches the vintage output Fralins well. I previously had Tex mex pups in and I think the bent steel worked best there. Rolling off a little of that chime helps keep things nice and fat and round.

[RobertGuitarDJ]

Great Video. I really prefer the Graphtech Saddle Sound. It is smoother, and more "even" sounding to me. I really hear a chime or more harmonics coming out of your guitar. If you are going for a "mean" or "tough" or "gritty" sound then the Fender Saddles might be better. I just ordered the Graphtech Saddles, and your video really made me hear the difference. You are not crazy, there is a big difference in tone. I can see how you might like the original Fender Saddles for certain types of music.

[caulinrocker1]

@Xcorgi its not graphite ... its teflon ... i dont know why its called graphtech but its teflon

[Xcorgi]

The graphite does actually allow you to attack the strings harder with no fret buzz allowing you to get a deeper/lower tone and chunkier chords. Thanks for posting.

[TheTyrantRaptor]

I hears exactly the issues in your description on my tuno-matic bridge for me flying V. Your NOT hearing things :-)

[Rich915]

@kleydj13 I like bent saddles too. On certain guitars, it's a visual thing...Like on a Mary Kaye type Strat, black string/savrs would def look out of place...imo

The neck angle plays a big part in the playability of the guitar. I've noticed it particularly on guitars where it's set very flat (less angle), so your saddles don't need much elevation. Coupled w/ setting the relief at a minimum, you get exclt playing action & chording mid-span is facilitated. Not withstanding any fret buzzes!

[clutchnades]

bossy son