Electric Guitar Saddle Height Screw Compatibility Guide

Quick Decision Guide: Which Saddle Screw Do You Need?

1. Brand & origin: Fender → step 2; other brands → step 3.
2. Fender by country & era:
   • USA-made (≈1986–2007): usually #4-40 (coarse).
   • USA-made (≈2008–present): often #4-48 (fine).
   • Vintage reissues: may keep #4-40.
   • MIM / MIJ: typically M3 × 0.50.
   • Bass & 3-saddle Tele: frequently #6-32.
3. Other brands: PRS Core (trem) #4-40; PRS SE/S2/CE (2016+) M3; Ibanez M3; Wilkinson modern M3; Hipshot/Gotoh/Floyd Rose typically M3.
4. Still unsure? Remove one screw and measure pitch, diameter, and hex size.

Quick Saddle Height Screw Reference

Fender Saddle Screws by Origin & Era

USA-Made (≈1986–2007)

Most American Standard/Deluxe and many reissues use #4-40 (coarse). Vintage-spec bridges often keep #4-40.

USA-Made (≈2008–Present)

Many modern USA models transitioned to #4-48 (fine) for more precise adjustment. Vintage reissues may still use #4-40.

MIM & MIJ

Typically M3 × 0.50 (also common on most Squier).

Basses & 3-Saddle Tele

Frequently #6-32 (larger screw; 1/16″ hex).

Other Guitar Brands – Common Saddle Screw Types

• PRS: Core trem #4-40; SE/S2/CE (2016+) M3; Stoptail tilt screws are typically #6-32 (not saddle screws).
• Ibanez: Usually M3 across trem and hardtail bridges.
• Wilkinson (modern): Usually M3.
• Hipshot / Gotoh / Floyd Rose: Typically M3.

General tip: If your 1.5 mm hex key fits (and 0.050″ is too small), it’s very likely an M3.

US #4-40 (Imperial Coarse Thread)

Hex Key: 0.050″ (1.27 mm) • OD: ~0.112″ (2.84 mm) • Pitch: 40 TPI

Common on USA Fenders ≈1986–2007 and many vintage-spec bridges. Shares the same OD as #4-48 but a coarser pitch. Mixing #4-40 and #4-48 can strip saddles — verify first.

US #4-48 (Imperial Fine Thread)

Hex Key: 0.050″ (1.27 mm) • OD: ~0.112″ (2.84 mm) • Pitch: 48 TPI

Common on USA Fenders ≈2008–present (modern lines). Finer pitch = more precise action tweaks. Some reissues still use #4-40.

Metric M3 × 0.50

Hex Key: 1.5 mm • OD: 3.0 mm • Pitch: 0.50 mm

Typical on MIM/MIJ Fender, Squier, Ibanez, PRS SE/S2/CE, Wilkinson (modern), Hipshot, Gotoh, and most Floyd-licensed hardware.

US #6-32 (Larger Imperial)

Hex Key: 1/16″ (1.59 mm) • OD: ~0.138″ (3.51 mm) • Pitch: 32 TPI

Seen on basses and 3-saddle Tele bridges. Larger diameter offers more range/strength for heavy strings and taller saddles.

Appendix: How to Measure & Identify Your Screw

1. Remove one screw carefully (loosen strings if needed).
2. Check the hex key: 0.050″ = #4-40 or #4-48; 1.5 mm = M3; 1/16″ = #6-32.
3. Measure OD: ~2.84 mm = #4; ~3.00 mm = M3; ~3.5 mm = #6.
4. Estimate pitch: #4-40 ≈ 10 threads/¼″; #4-48 ≈ 12/¼″; M3 = 0.50 mm pitch; #6-32 ≈ 8/¼″.
5. Length: measure from under the head to tip (common: 6–10 mm metric; 1/4″–3/8″ imperial).

Note: Manufacturers can change specs mid-run. When in doubt, verify with a part number or measure pitch directly.

FAQs

Are all Fender saddle screws the same?

No. USA models ≈1986–2007 often use #4-40; ≈2008–present often #4-48. MIM/MIJ typically use M3. Basses and 3-saddle Tele bridges frequently use #6-32.

How do I tell if mine is metric or imperial?

The hex key is a big clue: 0.050″ fits #4-40/#4-48; 1.5 mm fits M3; 1/16″ fits #6-32. Confirm by measuring diameter and pitch.

Can I swap #4-40 and #4-48?

No! They share the same outer diameter but different pitches. Mixing can strip threads or fit loosely. Identify first, then replace.

What length should I buy?

Match your original. Common lengths are 6–10 mm (metric) or 1/4″–3/8″ (imperial). Too long can scratch strings/hands; too short limits adjustment.