barrel saddles 3 compensated vs 6

**bbqbrisket** · 01-19-2016, 01:07 PM

Trying to make a decision between the precision of a 6 barrel saddle setup or 3 barrel compensated.
Anyone have experience between these 2 types and the differences if any?
thanks

**tele savalas** · 01-19-2016, 04:23 PM

Never liked the aesthetic of 6 barrels. I Use Glendale compensated saddles and they intonate perfectly and sound great. If you want a cheaper set, Wilkinson makes them but I can't vouch for that set.

**SAguitar** · 01-19-2016, 08:38 PM

I've got a set by Wilkinson, and a set by Joe Barden, both of them work fine and sound great. Some day I'd like to spring for Callahan or Glendale to see if they are worth the extra change.

I've set some of my Teles up with Fender, and Graph Tech 6-saddle bridges and they worked fine. Of course they intonated just a tiny bit better, but no biggie there. I just thought they looked better with three barrels so that's what I'm goin' with now. Some will tell you that you get more "tone" or "sustain" with 3, but I haven't seen any scientific studies that can prove that. IMHO, it's mostly a matter of personal preference.

**tele savalas** · 01-21-2016, 09:52 AM

Stan, before I found the Glendale bridges I used Callahams and Bardens and they are great (I think that the Bardens are the best value of all). Using a Peterson strobe tuner, I can say they are both close to perfect with regard to intonation, but the Glendale is a shade better. Enough for the naked ear? I doubt it.

**SAguitar** · 01-21-2016, 08:51 PM

Thanks, Mike! Great info.

**BEACHBUM** · 05-15-2016, 08:37 PM

I didn't like the barrel saddles even back in the 60's when they were the only option. I went for this stuff the minute they came along and never looked back. Better design, better look better everything.

Gotoh Modern

**Jammin'John** · 05-16-2016, 10:09 AM

I like both types.

JJ

**Teleblooz** · 05-18-2016, 02:22 PM

I've used the Wilkinsons on both my Teles. I like 'em - no issues with intonation, and of course they've got that "vintage" look.

**Swany** · 08-27-2016, 01:58 PM

I used to use Glendale compensated saddles, and I still use a Glendale bridgeplate. I switched to Rutters, they look completely stock, (not crooked), however they are compensated and the strings can't slide on them. I don't work for anyone in the music industry, I just can't see any reason to buy anything else.