Official Luthiers Forum!

When trying to get a little better intonation,I can understand how to shorten a string by filing a fairly steep angle at the back of the saddle.But it doesn`t really seem possible to lengthen a string because it`s already crossing over the saddle from the back.Is filing the front going to slide it back much or should I rout a new saddle.I`ve got a couple of strings that are 4 to 6 cents out.Not bad but still if I can improve why not.Also kind of related.How does the action effect intonation.By raising or lowering the saddle height I may be able to improve or no?

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James W Bolan
Nashville Tennessee

James: Just a couple of points. Perfect intonation everywhere does not happen. A good ear is a blessing and a curse,so is a bad ear. The normal width 3/32" saddle is too narrow for me,has to be placed very accurately and does not leave much room for adjustment. I use saddles at least 3/16" wide and wider to make adjustments easier for me. Raise the saddle and you will sharpen notes ,lower the saddle and you will flatten them. Within the normal range of saddle adjustment I don't find this a big problem. For some good info on intonation check the Gore books. I find myself saying that more and more lately.
Tom

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A person who has never made a mistake has never made anything!!!

Thanks for the tips Tom.I`ve always used an 1/8 and have been able to get pretty close.I got this one where I`m happy with it, finally.Had to shorten a couple of strings a shy 1/16.

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James W Bolan
Nashville Tennessee

Thanks Todd.I was actually flat about 6 cents on a couple .Moved the contact point forward.It`s still hard for me to envision moving the contact points back if I should need to.Does anyone have any pictures of saddles they have compensated?Iit would be interesting to see.It seems I had to file a pretty steep angle to get things pretty close.I can hear anything over 4 cents myself.But anything there or under I can`t.

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James W Bolan
Nashville Tennessee

I'm not sure why you can envision moving the contact forward but not back. Unless I am not understanding you correctly. Just file the front side of the saddle moving the point to the back and you will get a bit more string length out of it.