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Back when I was really trying to get the hang of setups, I did a bunch of experiments with Saddle profiles.. I fooled around with a bunch of string profiles, heights, etc... I then conducted my "Experiment" with my musician brother... Swapping in saddle after saddle that I had made in different string profiles and heights. He was amazed that such small changes to the Saddle profile could have such large changes in the sound and balance of a Guitar.... It was almost as strong as the effect of changing strings or picks.

My suspicion is that would see the variation in shaping the nut/saddle has more effect than the pure material itself between 2 fairly similar materials like Bone and Tusq or between Cow and Camel bone or whatever....

Thanks

John

I have to agree that a large part of the sound is affected by these parts. Heck, every part of the instrument can have a minor or major effect. It does boil down to what sound you (or the client) want to hear and using the material best suited to that sound.

I use bone for most everything, since I can get good condition bleached white bone for cheap from the local pet store and just machine it myself. Kinda fun to leave the front rough and ugly to show off that it is natural bone.

One thing to consider, regarding wood over bone, etc...fiddles and their like (cello, bass, etc) have been using wood for years. Doesn't mean it is better, just means that it works well. Maple for the bridge (I think?) and ebony for the nut is common and has an agreed upon sound quality that players and listeners like. Would a bone bridge be better? No idea...would be different, though (and look pretty nice as well!).

The biggest thing you will run into with a question like this is 'individual tastes'. I, for example, am a lover of 'bassier' sounds but also love the brighter attack on the upper strings. (Still haven't figured out the best way to get both...wood and bone? hmmm....creative juices are flowing again! ). My point being that one should experiment and select their preference, with of course the assist of the great knowledge you get from the folks here.

-Matthew