Electric Guitar Saddle Height Screw Compatibility Guide

Introduction

Finding the correct bridge saddle-height adjustment screws for your electric guitar can be confusing. Fender guitars, in particular, have used different screw threads across models and eras — and the old rule of “American Fenders use one size, imports use another” isn’t 100% reliable anymore.

This comprehensive guide will help you identify the right saddle-height screw type for your guitar based on model, year, country of origin, and bridge style. We’ll focus mainly on Fender Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jaguar, Jazzmaster, and similar models, and also cover other popular brands like PRS, Ibanez, and Wilkinson.

You’ll find sections for each screw thread size (US #4-40, US #4-48, US #6-32, and Metric M3), including which guitar models/series use them, the corresponding Fender bridge part numbers, and the required hex key size.

We’ve also included a simple decision tree to help you quickly narrow down your screw type, plus an appendix explaining how to identify a screw manually by measuring its diameter, thread pitch, and socket.

Note: This guide is based on the best available information and will be updated as new data becomes available. When in doubt, double-check your specific guitar’s requirements.

Quick Decision Guide: Which Saddle Screw Does Your Guitar Use?

Use the steps below as a decision tree to quickly narrow down the correct saddle-height screw type for your electric guitar:

1. Determine your guitar’s brand and origin:
   • Fender guitars: Proceed to Step 2.
   • Other brands (PRS, Ibanez, Wilkinson, etc.): Skip to Step 3.
2. For Fender guitars – determine country of manufacture and era:
   • USA-made (American Series)
     1986–2007 (Vintage-spec or older): Likely uses #4-40 (coarse-thread) screws.
   • 2008–present (Modern American models): Often use #4-48 (fine-thread) screws.
   • Exceptions: American Vintage Reissues and other vintage-style reissues may still use #4-40 screws to match original specs.
   • Made in Mexico (MIM) or Made in Japan (MIJ): Typically use Metric M3 × 0.50 screws.
   • Fender Bass Guitars or 3-Saddle Telecasters: Frequently use larger #6-32 screws for height adjustment.
3. For other brands:
   • PRS (Core models with tremolo): #4-40
   • PRS (Stoptail bridges): #6-32
   • PRS SE / S2 / CE (2016–present): Metric M3
   • Ibanez: Metric M3
   • Wilkinson (modern): Metric M3
   • Hipshot / Gotoh / Floyd Rose: Typically Metric (usually M3)
4. If unsure or your model isn’t listed:
   Remove one saddle screw and refer to the Appendix: How to Measure Your Screw to identify it by diameter, thread count, and hex key size.

Fender Guitar Saddle Screw Types by Origin & Era

🇺🇸 USA-Made Fender Guitars (1986–2007)

Most American Standard, American Deluxe, and Vintage Reissue models from this period use #4-40 (coarse thread) saddle screws. These were the standard on U.S. models for many years and remain common in vintage-spec bridges.

🇺🇸 USA-Made Fender Guitars (2008–Present)

Around 2008, Fender transitioned to #4-48 (fine thread) saddle screws on many U.S.-made guitars. These finer threads allow for more precise action adjustment and are standard on American Professional, Ultra, and similar lines.

Note: American Vintage Reissue (AVRI) models released after 2008 often retain the older #4-40 screws for historical accuracy. Always confirm your bridge style or part number when in doubt.

🇲🇽 🇯🇵 Made in Mexico (MIM) & Japan (MIJ) Fenders

Nearly all Mexican- and Japan-made Fender guitars — including Player, Vintera, Classic Player, and Standard Series models — use Metric M3 × 0.50 screws. These also apply to most Squier guitars and reissue models from Japan.

🎸 Fender Bass Guitars & 3-Saddle Telecasters

Many basses and vintage-style Tele bridges use #6-32 screws for saddle height. These are noticeably larger and use a 1/16” Allen key (instead of the smaller 0.050” or 1.5 mm).

Common examples include the American Special Jazz and Precision Bass, and Telecasters with compensated brass saddles or traditional 3-saddle layouts.

Other Guitar Brands – Saddle Height Screw Compatibility

While this guide focuses on Fender-style bridges, many other popular electric guitar brands follow predictable patterns when it comes to saddle-height screw sizes. Here’s what you need to know:

🎸 PRS (Paul Reed Smith)

• Core / USA Models (Tremolo): Use #4-40 screws.
• Stoptail Bridges (All models): Use #6-32 screws for the two bridge tilt screws (not individual saddle screws).
• SE, S2, and CE (2016–present): Use Metric M3 screws for molded tremolo saddles.

🎸 Ibanez

• Nearly all Ibanez models use Metric M3 screws.
• Applies to tremolo bridges (Edge, Lo-Pro Edge, ZR, etc.) and fixed bridges.
• Standard hex key size is typically 1.5 mm.

🎸 Wilkinson

• Modern Wilkinson Bridges: Use M3 screws.
• Vintage Wilkinson (1980s era): May use #4-40 imperial screws — double-check if unsure.

🎸 Hipshot

• Despite being a U.S.-based company, Hipshot typically uses Metric M3 screws in their guitar hardware (e.g., Hardtail and Contour Trem).

🎸 Floyd Rose & Licensed Variants

• Original Floyd Rose bridges (German-made) use metric hardware, most commonly M3 for fine-tuner and saddle screws.
• Licensed versions from Ibanez (Edge), Jackson, and others follow similar metric sizing.

🎸 Gotoh

• Gotoh bridges — often found on Japanese guitars — typically use Metric M3 hardware across their tremolos and fixed bridges.

General Tip: If the bridge is made outside the U.S., chances are very high that it uses metric hardware. If your 1.5 mm hex key fits, you’re most likely dealing with M3 × 0.50 saddle screws.

US #4-40 (Imperial Coarse Thread)

Hex Key: 0.050” Allen wrench (approximately 1.27 mm)

The #4-40 screw is an imperial thread with a diameter of ~0.112" (2.84 mm) and 40 threads per inch. It was the standard saddle height screw size on most U.S.-made Fender guitars from the mid-1980s through the early 2000s. Many vintage-spec guitars and reissue models still use this thread today to stay true to original Fender specs.

Used on Fender Models / Series:

• 1986–2007 American Standard Stratocaster & Telecaster
• American Deluxe Strat & Tele (up to 2007)
• American Vintage Reissue (AVRI) Stratocaster & Telecaster
• Other U.S. Fender models made before 2008
• American Deluxe / Elite / Ultra Strat (select models, 1987–Present)

Associated Fender Bridge Part Numbers:

• 0992050000 (chrome) – American Standard Strat Bridge
• 0992050200 (gold) – American Standard Strat Bridge
• 0992049000 – Vintage 6-screw Tremolo (chrome)
• 0992049200 – Vintage 6-screw Tremolo (gold)
• 0992070000 – Vintage/Narrow Strat Tremolo (e.g., Highway 1)
• 0054619000 – MIM Classic Series vintage-style bridge (imperial screws)
• 0077092049 – American Deluxe / Ultra Strat 2-point Tremolo
• 0994408000 – HiMass 4-String Bass Bridge (saddle screws only)

Note: Some Made-in-Mexico (MIM) models like the Classic Series may use U.S.-spec bridges with #4-40 screws. This is uncommon but not unheard of. If you're replacing screws for a MIM vintage-style bridge, verify the screw thread before assuming metric.

Pro Tip: #4-40 and #4-48 screws share the same outer diameter but have different thread pitches. Both use a 0.050” hex key, so double-check before replacing — mixing them can strip your saddles or result in loose fitment.

US #4-48 (Imperial Fine Thread)

Hex Key: 0.050” Allen wrench (1.27 mm)

The #4-48 screw shares the same outer diameter (~0.112") as the older #4-40 screws but has a finer thread pitch with 48 threads per inch. Fender began using these finer-thread screws in 2008 on many of their U.S.-made models to allow for more precise saddle height adjustments and improved stability.

Used on Fender Models / Series:

• 2008–Present American Standard Stratocaster & Telecaster
• American Professional Series (Strat, Tele, Jazzmaster, Jaguar)
• American Elite & Ultra Series
• Some American Performer Stratocasters (depends on hardware used)
• American Deluxe/Elite Telecasters with 6-saddle bridges

Associated Fender Bridge Part Numbers:

• 0992004000 – American Professional Strat Bridge Assembly
• 0075091049 – Strat Tremolo Bridge Assembly (late models)

Note: Some American Performer and late-run American Special models reused older bridge stock and may still have #4-40 screws. If in doubt, check the part number or measure the screw’s pitch manually.

Compatibility Tip: #4-40 and #4-48 screws are identical in outer diameter but differ in thread pitch. Using the wrong thread type may cause binding or stripping of the saddle. Use a known-good sample screw or test-fit carefully when replacing.

Modern bridges that mention “0.050” saddle adjustment wrench” in Fender specs and were produced after 2008 are most likely using #4-48 saddle screws.

Metric M3-0.50 – Used on Most Imported Models

Hex Key: 1.5 mm Allen wrench

M3 × 0.50 screws are the standard saddle-height screw used on most non-U.S.-made electric guitars. These screws have a 3.0 mm outer diameter and a thread pitch of 0.50 mm per thread. The 1.5 mm hex socket size is slightly larger than the 0.050" Allen key used for imperial screws, offering a good clue to compatibility.

Used on Fender Models / Series:

• Player Series Stratocaster & Telecaster (MIM)
• Vintera, Classic Player, Deluxe (MIM)
• Standard Series (MIM, pre-2018)
• Fender Japan Reissues (MIJ / CIJ)
• Most Squier Strat, Tele, Jaguar, Jazzmaster (China, Indonesia)
• Fender Import Basses – P-Bass, J-Bass (MIM, MIJ)

Associated Fender Bridge Part Numbers:

• 0992079000 – 2-Point Tremolo used on Player, Deluxe, Classic Player (MIM)
• 0071014049 – Vintage-style 6-screw Tremolo (MIM)
• 0058274000 – Import Strat Hardtail Bridge
• 0053354000 – Standard Series Telecaster 6-saddle Bridge (MIM)

Used on Other Brands:

• Ibanez: Nearly all RG, S, AZ, and Edge tremolo models
• PRS SE, S2, CE 24 (2016–present): Molded tremolo bridges use M3 screws
• Wilkinson (modern): Aftermarket bridges use M3 screws
• Hipshot: Hardtail and Contour Trem bridges use M3 hardware
• Floyd Rose: Fine-tuners and saddle screws are typically M3 or equivalent
• Gotoh: Tremolos and hardtail bridges use M3 screws

Tip: If your 1.5 mm hex key fits perfectly (and 0.050" is too small), you’re likely working with a Metric M3 saddle screw.

Note: Some vintage-style reissue hardware built outside the U.S. may occasionally use imperial screws for accuracy, but this is the exception, not the rule.

US #6-32 (Imperial Larger Screw)

Hex Key: 1/16” Allen wrench (approximately 1.59 mm)

The #6-32 screw is a larger imperial thread (~0.138” diameter) with 32 threads per inch. It’s most commonly used in bass guitar bridges and Telecaster-style bridges with 3 saddles. These screws offer additional strength and a wider contact surface for larger saddles or heavier string tension.

Used on Fender Models / Series:

• Fender American Special / Standard Precision Bass and Jazz Bass
• 3-Saddle Telecaster Bridges with brass or steel saddles
• American Professional Telecaster Deluxe (with 3 compensated brass saddles)
• Vintage-style Telecaster Reissues with threaded saddles
• Baritone and Bass VI-style Fender instruments with larger saddles

Associated Fender Bridge Part Numbers:

• 0990808000 – 3-Saddle Telecaster Bridge with compensated brass “bullet” saddles
• Fender Vintage ’62 P-Bass / J-Bass threaded saddle bridges (slotted or hex-head variants)
• American Standard / HiMass Bass Bridges (various part numbers)

Used on Other Brands:

• PRS: Stoptail wraparound bridges use two #6-32 screws to tilt the bridge on either side
• Aftermarket bridges: Some heavier-duty replacement bridges use #6-32 height screws for strength and height range

Tip: If the hex key required is noticeably larger than a 0.050” or 1.5 mm, and a 1/16” key fits perfectly, it’s almost certainly a #6-32 screw.

These are not as common as #4 screws or M3 but are essential for correct replacement on 3-saddle Tele bridges or most U.S. Fender basses.

Appendix: How to Measure and Identify Your Saddle Screw

If you're unsure what screw your guitar uses, follow these steps to measure and identify it accurately:

1. Remove a Saddle Screw

Use the correct hex key to carefully remove one saddle-height screw from your bridge. Loosen the strings slightly if needed to relieve pressure.

2. Determine the Hex Key Size

The hex key that fits the screw head gives you an important clue:

• 0.050” (1.27 mm): Likely a #4-40 or #4-48 imperial screw
• 1.5 mm: Metric M3 screw
• 1/16” (1.59 mm): Larger #6-32 imperial screw

3. Measure the Screw Diameter

Use digital calipers or a precise ruler to measure the outer thread diameter:

• ~2.84 mm: #4-40 or #4-48
• ~3.0 mm: Metric M3
• ~3.5 mm: #6-32 (larger screw)

4. Count the Threads (Thread Pitch)

If you have a ruler:

• 10 threads in 1/4”: #4-40 (40 TPI)
• 12 threads in 1/4”: #4-48 (48 TPI)
• ~12.7 threads in 1/4”: Metric M3 (0.50 mm pitch)
• 8 threads in 1/4”: #6-32 (32 TPI)

5. Optional: Use a Thread Gauge or Matching Nut

If available, you can test-fit the screw into a known #4-40, #4-48, or M3 nut to confirm compatibility. Don’t force it — if the thread doesn't go in smoothly, it's the wrong type.

6. Measure the Length

Once you've identified the screw thread, also measure its length from the base of the head to the tip. Common lengths: 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm (metric) or 1/4", 5/16", 3/8" (imperial).

Reminder: Always replace saddle screws with the exact same thread type and a suitable length to avoid damaging the bridge or saddles.