DeTemple Titanium Bridge Saddles

Titanium saddles for a Gotoh tune-o-matic hung in an Epiphone Alleykat, (see my review on this little marvel of a hollowbody).

Amazing, but its appreciation depends on how you hear. If you are one of those who has never been able to hear a difference in modded guitars, then you probably don't want to bother. But for those w/ really good relative pitch or perfect pitch, I consider this a necessity. I have always had trouble with intonations on guitars, especially on the low E strings. New strings usually mitigate this problem, but only mitigate it. I read an article not long ago about titanium saddles and one of its claims was that it corrected this problem. Around the same time I stumbled across this Epiphone Alleykat for $325, tried it out and was amazed. It sounded better acoustically than any other hollow or solid body I have ever heard. And sounded beautiful amplified! I decided to get it and do some mods. At that price, I could afford it. So I hung the new bridge in with the titanium saddles first, (I'm still planning to change the pick-ups). Result? The intonation problems are gone. Unbelievably clear and focused response across the strings. Bass strings are dramatically clearer. The increase in sustain thickens and darkens the sound. This Alleykat had a nice bell-like quality in the mid position that is now a good bit darker sounding. So be prepared to have a whole new guitar on your hands! And I can dial down the mids a bit to get that sound back to a degree. But the correction of the intonation problem is well worth it. I feel about this the way a lot of guitarists feel about the earvana nut. I repeat, the intonation problems, especially on the low E string, are gone. If you make this mod, you will notice that your tuner needle won't waver or go ballistic as the note decays. I can't wait to try it out on my strat and tele!

Only problem I had was trying to get the old saddles out of the gotoh. There is a nut on this bridge for each of the saddle screws and it took me a while to figure out how to get them off without stripping the nut. No problem with the DeTemple product. The fit was perfect.

Don't know, but since titanium is harder than steel, I don't forsee a problem.

I e-mailed him a few times and got good response.

I've been playing professionally and semi-professionally for 31 years and this has been a long time coming for me. Like I said at the top, though, its not for everybody. I plan on replacing all my guitars saddles with these. It'll take some time, but right now the honeymoon hasn't wore off with this Alleykat so I don't play the others anyway!

3 barrell compensated telecaster titanium saddles. High quality, lightweight, a little expensive- $125.

I was skeptical of something like this, it's somewhat hard to stray from tradition. I have a Nash Tele style guitar that is fantastic: large 50s style neck, Lollar pickups, 3 brass compensated saddles etc... I installed the titanium saddles (which are available at allparts also for $95) and noticed a different to my surprise. They don't sound drastically different, but there are subtle improvements that a telecaster player can appreciate: more powerful, more crisp, more focused, better response, more sustain etc... I like them.

They are not overly shiny, they look great on my tele. '54-'58 teles would have steel saddles, these saddles look period-correct.

Titianium doesn't tarnish and it's hard as hell, they should be very reliable and durable.

Michael DeTemple seems nice, I chatted with him on the phone for a bit.

If you really want to upgrade your tele I would suggested getting some nice pickups then try the titanium saddles. Do the upgrades at different times so you can tell the differences as they happen, listen to the characteristics of your tele become more apparent etc... They are expensive, but most guitar players waste money all the time searching for new toyz. I am keeping these saddles on my axe.