Thanks to Forum Member umpdv5000 (Martin), as of May 2007, we have confirmation that the original bridge & saddles were made by Gotoh and are still available!
The Gotoh GTC101 bridge along with the S11 saddles is the original bridge that is on the Thunder I-A and is identical. The one offered at Stewart Macdonald’s site is a tad out in saddle size.
Here is the reply Martin received to his email to Gotoh:
Dear Mr. Martin Gerrard
This is Quest International Ltd. from Japan.
I received your massage through Gotoh parts. Because I’m original designer of Westone and dealing the Gotoh parts today.The Thander-1A Bridge saddle can use GTC-101 brass saddle p-10.5mm .
And also we can supply you through internet http://ssl.bfit.jp/~jby/
The charge of the person is Jun Hasizume . Please contact to him.If you have any question don’t hesitate to contact to us.
Best Regards
Toshi Owa
Quest International Ltd.
Head Office: 2-6-6 3F Jingu, Atsuta-ku Nagoya 456-0031 Aichi.
Tel & Fax : +81-52-737-7160
Shiojiri Atelier : 1756-1 Takaide Hirooka Shiojiri 399-0703 Nagano.
Tel&Fax: +81-263-50-7608
mail: t-owa@quest-md.com /
www.quest-md.com
Toshi Owa was one of the key designers for Matsumoku/Westone, working alongside Tom Presley, and he is mentioned in Tom’s Development History posts. It’s really good to know that we have an endorsed replacement for our beloved Westies—directly from the designer himself!
Links:
Bridge:
http://www.g-gotoh.com/international/?btp_product_category=guitar-bridge-tailpieces
Saddle:
http://www.g-gotoh.com/international/?btp_product_category=guitar-saddles