My first build: DTL-1

[gpjt]

Cool, I'll start a thread on the PiAmp if there's anything interesting to report

Simon, one question about the compensated saddles (which do look like a good investment, especially at that price) -- do they have a slot for the string in them? The stock saddles do, but as far as I can do from the photos, the ones you linked to don't. If they don't, do you need to file one? Or do you just let the string lie naturally across them along the line from the hole in the bank of the bridge (I'm planning to topload) to the nut?

[Simon Barden]

Simon, one question about the compensated saddles (which do look like a good investment, especially at that price) -- do they have a slot for the string in them? The stock saddles do, but as far as I can do from the photos, the ones you linked to don't. If they don't, do you need to file one? Or do you just let the string lie naturally across them along the line from the hole in the bank of the bridge (I'm planning to topload) to the nut?

No, the strings just lie across the top of them. I've got a set on one of my Teles and they are fine. The original Fender Tele round brass saddles didn't have any slots either.

If you find there are string spacing issues with them and want to move the strings slightly from where they naturally want to sit, you can of course cut a small notch with a V-shaped needle file. But you should find you don't need to as the string-through holes on the bridge will be evenly spaced.

[gpjt]

No, the strings just lie across the top of them. I've got a set on one of my Teles and they are fine. The original Fender Tele round brass saddles didn't have any slots either.

If you find there are string spacing issues with them and want to move the strings slightly from where they naturally want to sit, you can of course cut a small notch with a V-shaped needle file. But you should find you don't need to as the string-through holes on the bridge will be evenly spaced.

Excellent -- thanks!