ASTRAL retains the iconic lines of the square-plate Telecaster®-style bridge while incorporating the design principles developed by FAUVE.
Every surface, every radius and every interface with the string has been carefully designed to serve a precise function: improving playing comfort, facilitating adjustments and maintaining consistent operating geometry.
Its design remains faithful to the historic model, while its engineering benefits from the standards of precision, manufacturing quality and attention to detail that define FAUVE.
Respecting a great classic.
This square-plate bridge architecture is one of the most recognisable designs in the history of the electric guitar. For more than seventy years, it has been used on countless instruments without ever losing its identity.
With the ASTRAL, our objective was not to alter this iconic silhouette, but to evolve its design. The historic proportions have been preserved, while the technical details have been reconsidered to improve playing comfort, adjustment precision and the overall mechanical coherence of the bridge.
This approach led to the development of True Radius Technology™, along with numerous design details that contribute to the bridge’s precision, playing comfort and mechanical coherence.
True Radius Technology™
True Radius Technology™ saddles combine three design principles: they are compensated for precise intonation adjustment, pre-radiused to a 9.5" radius, and matched in pairs (E/A, D/G and B/E).
Unlike traditional saddles, which are all identical, each pair has its own specific geometry. Once installed, the saddles naturally reproduce a 9.5" radius, while the adjustment screws retain their full range of adjustment to accommodate the specific characteristics of each instrument.
This design allows the saddles to operate within an optimal working geometry. The string guide ramps maintain their orientation, mechanical stress on the strings is reduced, and adjustments become more repeatable during string changes or maintenance operations.
At FAUVE, we believe that an adjustment should not be used to compensate for the design of a component, but simply to adapt it to the specific characteristics of each instrument.
Why design saddles that are intended to be systematically tilted when they can be designed to operate naturally within their optimal geometry?
Details shape character.
Beyond True Radius Technology™, the ASTRAL incorporates numerous design details that contribute to the way it functions.
The string guide ramps reduce mechanical stress, the softened radii improve comfort when palm muting, and the mounting reference marks make positioning the bridge easier. The contact surfaces are carefully machined to provide a consistent feel and an impeccable finish.
Taken individually, each of these details may seem insignificant. Together, they improve playing comfort, facilitate adjustments and contribute to the overall mechanical coherence of the assembly.
Fully machined from solid material.
At FAUVE, every component is fully machined from a carefully selected solid block of material.
This approach ensures complete control over the geometry of each component, high dimensional precision and excellent manufacturing repeatability. It also provides the design freedom required to create shapes, radii and details that cannot be achieved using traditional manufacturing processes.
Each material is selected for its mechanical and vibrational properties, as well as its suitability for precision machining. Every removal of material serves a purpose. Nothing is left to chance.
Technical specifications
• Compatible with Telecaster®-style guitars.
• String-through-body bridge.
• Three compensated saddles.
• Available in several materials.
• Available in several finishes.
• Made in France.
Images are for illustrative purposes only: The appearance of the product may vary depending on the selected material and finish.