Newbie - Need Thunder IIa brass saddle
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Newbie - Need Thunder IIa brass saddle
Hello
I have Just come across this site and I am hoping I am posting in the correct section.
I have had since I was 15 (1985) a red Thunder IIa, identified as a Version 1 from westone.info.
My dad bought it for me used from a Junk Store. Great condition apart from missing one of the brass saddles - way back then a musician friend of may dad put a nickel replacement saddle on the guitar so I could learn to play (I did not care about that at the time).
Anyway for the last 26 years the guitar laid around at my parents. I didn't take it with me as I move around and changed countries UK to USA quite some years ago.
Recently it is back with me and I want to get it back to original or at the least have a set of saddles that match preferable brass but I guess thats not necessary.
Is there any where, after market or otherwise I can get saddles for this guitar.
Any help is much appreciated.
Thanks
I have Just come across this site and I am hoping I am posting in the correct section.
I have had since I was 15 (1985) a red Thunder IIa, identified as a Version 1 from westone.info.
My dad bought it for me used from a Junk Store. Great condition apart from missing one of the brass saddles - way back then a musician friend of may dad put a nickel replacement saddle on the guitar so I could learn to play (I did not care about that at the time).
Anyway for the last 26 years the guitar laid around at my parents. I didn't take it with me as I move around and changed countries UK to USA quite some years ago.
Recently it is back with me and I want to get it back to original or at the least have a set of saddles that match preferable brass but I guess thats not necessary.
Is there any where, after market or otherwise I can get saddles for this guitar.
Any help is much appreciated.
Thanks
truea- Registered Member
- Number of posts : 6
Registration date : 2011-12-29
Re: Newbie - Need Thunder IIa brass saddle
Welcome truea. Not sure about a suitable replacement but someone else here will know if they exist. I can tell you that originals will be just to the right of impossible to track down.
Do you have a closeup of the bridge? If so please send it to me and I'll get it up for folks to see what we are working with. Just hit the envelope icon below my avatar to attach and send.
We will get you squared away somehow I'm sure.
Do you have a closeup of the bridge? If so please send it to me and I'll get it up for folks to see what we are working with. Just hit the envelope icon below my avatar to attach and send.
We will get you squared away somehow I'm sure.
Re: Newbie - Need Thunder IIa brass saddle
OK thanks - will take some pictures tonight.
truea- Registered Member
- Number of posts : 6
Registration date : 2011-12-29
Re: Newbie - Need Thunder IIa brass saddle
Here are the pics...


That is an unusual difference of spacing between the low pair and the rest.


That is an unusual difference of spacing between the low pair and the rest.
Re: Newbie - Need Thunder IIa brass saddle
That's going to be tough to find methinks. You might try getting a bridge like this (or a Nashville size?) and removing the saddles:
LINK
The position of the saddles is determined by the intonation of the string. Either there is something weird going on with the guitar's design (unlikely) or this has not had the intonation set correctly.
LINK
The position of the saddles is determined by the intonation of the string. Either there is something weird going on with the guitar's design (unlikely) or this has not had the intonation set correctly.
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Re: Newbie - Need Thunder IIa brass saddle
Yes the guitar has not been touched for about 26 years - I need to get it into a shop and get checked up and setup properly. I was just looking to get it back to as close to original as possible.
If I understand the reply correctly - it would be to buy another bridge and use the new saddles on my old bridge?
Wouldn't I be able to just buy a new set of saddles?
If I understand the reply correctly - it would be to buy another bridge and use the new saddles on my old bridge?
Wouldn't I be able to just buy a new set of saddles?
truea- Registered Member
- Number of posts : 6
Registration date : 2011-12-29
Re: Newbie - Need Thunder IIa brass saddle
Sure. No guarantees that they'll match your screws though.
If you have the whole assembly you stand a better chance of getting something to work.
Just trying to direct you to a source for some ideas...
If you have the whole assembly you stand a better chance of getting something to work.
Just trying to direct you to a source for some ideas...
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown

GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com/guitars.html
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
Re: Newbie - Need Thunder IIa brass saddle
Did this ever get resolved does anyone know as I have just noticed exactly the same issue with mine...

the string spacing is correct but there is obviously a difference in height.
so i'm on the scrounge again
anyone got a spare saddle or maybe i should swap them all out?
There must be a drawer somewhere full of brass saddles and odd socks....

the string spacing is correct but there is obviously a difference in height.
so i'm on the scrounge again

There must be a drawer somewhere full of brass saddles and odd socks....
Last edited by Catalyst on Tue Aug 19, 2014 3:17 am; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : typos....lots of em)
Catalyst- Financial supporter
- Number of posts : 319
Registration date : 2013-02-24
Re: Newbie - Need Thunder IIa brass saddle
No I have had no luck in finding a Saddle but if you come across a box full at a garage sale, please let me know.
truea- Registered Member
- Number of posts : 6
Registration date : 2011-12-29
Re: Newbie - Need Thunder IIa brass saddle
Cheers for that Westbone.....looks like manufacture might be the way forward.
Dimensions look clear enough and the camber looks around 45 degrees. I have a man in mind who might be able to make these.
I'll keep interested parties informed as to whether they are successful or not.
Dimensions look clear enough and the camber looks around 45 degrees. I have a man in mind who might be able to make these.
I'll keep interested parties informed as to whether they are successful or not.
Catalyst- Financial supporter
- Number of posts : 319
Registration date : 2013-02-24
Re: Newbie - Need Thunder IIa brass saddle
Shouldn't be a problem, just give him one of yours as a pattern.
Re: Newbie - Need Thunder IIa brass saddle
Still looking into this....seems a bit weird truea that we both have 1 odd saddle and 1 odd screw
Anyone else have a T2A from this era for a third comparison?

Anyone else have a T2A from this era for a third comparison?
Catalyst- Financial supporter
- Number of posts : 319
Registration date : 2013-02-24
Re: Newbie - Need Thunder IIa brass saddle
Think you have 5 odd screws there. The recessed one is original.
What does the other side of the bridge look like?
Here's a few pics from another topic.




What does the other side of the bridge look like?
Here's a few pics from another topic.




Re: Newbie - Need Thunder IIa brass saddle
T'other side of the bridge is the same as your last photo Westbone. 

Catalyst- Financial supporter
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Registration date : 2013-02-24
Re: Newbie - Need Thunder IIa brass saddle
Or splash some cash and buy a new one. Much better quality!
http://guitar-parts.biz/hp14658/STM-CH-12080200.htm?ITServ=C362c19bdX148407058feX3fb2
http://guitar-parts.biz/hp14658/STM-CH-12080200.htm?ITServ=C362c19bdX148407058feX3fb2
Re: Newbie - Need Thunder IIa brass saddle
mmm that looks good....what you reckon...chrome?...nickel?
they look pretty similar on the photos
they look pretty similar on the photos
Catalyst- Financial supporter
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Registration date : 2013-02-24

» Newbie looking for wisdom! '84 Thunder 1
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» Anyone looking for brass saddles for your Thunder I or IA
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» Brass knobs for a thunder
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