Saddle Sore

[PhilcoFord]

Hey Dan -

I'm having problems with a couple of the saddles on my R8. They're causing the unwound strings to bind when tuning and then abruptly go sharp/flat when the string is bent. The problem goes away when I lift the string out of the saddle groove and tune up with the string resting on the flat part of the saddle.

Is this something I can clean up/adjust myself with the right set of saddle files, or do I have to start all over with a new set of saddles and have them re-grooved? If it's easy, can you give me a quick how-to and point me to the right tools on stewmac?

Thanks!

 

[PhilcoFord]

* bump *

C'mon guys... hook a brutha up!

 

[Dan Erlewine]

sure you can clean them!

you wouldn't need a whole set of files but it would be nice if you had a couple of what StewMac calls precision gauged nut slotting files (there are other types too, I happen to like their round-bottoms). Other suppliers sell some, but probably not as many. If you had #.0823 (.013"); #0828 (.020"); #0831 (.032") you could shape the slots in the saddles fine. The smallest (.013") is a bit larger than a .010" E-string but it will work.

You can probably do the job without them if you use the strings, removed and held with two hands, to burnish the slots to match the strings.

Small feeler gauges wrapped with 800 - 2000 grit sandpaper can help too.

As long as your bridge saddle radius somewhat matches the fretboard radius, and the string slot spacing is good, you shouldn't need to replace saddles.

A nice thing about replacing saddles, in many situations, is that you can start fresh and layout your own shallow, smooth slots.

dan

 

[Soapbarstrat]

"Small feeler gauges wrapped with 800 - 2000 grit sandpaper can help too."


I do this, but I use it with a small door hinge with screws and wing-nuts to clamp the sandpaper against the feeler gauge. it also keeps the feeler gauge from bending. Using a wooden wheel roller, you can get the paper to conform even better around the edge of the feeler gauge by rolling it against the sandpaper over the feeler gauge. If I was at home, and could borrow my friend's digital camera again, I would probably show you a picture of what I mean.

 

[PhilcoFord]

Thanks Dan! Exactly what I needed!