Official Luthiers Forum!

I have used 3/32" wide saddles on my first 4 builds (OMs). I have shaped the saddle visually like my Martin OM 21. The intonation seems to be okay on these guitars. Of course there is not much room for adjustment. If I use an 1/8" wide saddle, there will be a lot more space for intonation adjustment. There is also a lot more room for error. What is a good technique for adjusting intonation with the 1/8" wide saddle?

_________________
Steve Sollod (pronounced sorta like "Solid")
www.swiftcreekguitars.com

I have read where some use a piece of a B string under the strings on the unshaped saddle so that they can move it around to find the sweet spot for each string. Once you have determined the best position, mark the saddle and shape accordingly. I am just about to try this myself so I will follow this thread for more tips and tricks. Thanks for posting the question

_________________
Dan

I've got a set up saddle I use on new builds. It's not compensated, and it's pretty short. I shim it until the action is right then check intonation. I check each string and shape my new saddle to the right height and intonation. I've got a chart for how many thousants for how many cents.

_________________
I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said.
http://www.brackettinstruments.com/

Mike Doolin uses 1/8" saddles in his instruments, and has a well written article in American Lutherie #92 regarding intonation theory, and describes how he cuts his saddles.

Jim

Dave Collins has a great technique for intonation setup...search the archive and it should come up...it involves using a piece of brass brazing rod to locate the bridge slot and a strobe to set the intonation....

_________________
http://www.presnallguitars.com

Has anyone used or heard of anyone's results using that gizmo from Stewart Martin? Looks liek it would work.

Dave

_________________
God, Family, Carreer