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Old 02-17-2012, 08:34 PM
skatalite skatalite is offline
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Default When neck angle is good, but saddle is low...

What could be happening? Could it be an issue with the bridge being too tall?

And by saddle being low: Shaving more off the bottom would hurt break angle significantly.

Anyone ever run into this problem?

I was just thinking of setups and potential issues that could arise at some point. So, thought I'd ask.

Cheers!
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Old 02-17-2012, 08:46 PM
sachi sachi is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by skatalite View Post
What could be happening? Could it be an issue with the bridge being too tall?

And by saddle being low: Shaving more off the bottom would hurt break angle significantly.

Anyone ever run into this problem?
Why do you think the neck angle is good? Got measurements?
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Old 02-17-2012, 08:54 PM
skatalite skatalite is offline
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Originally Posted by sachi View Post
Why do you think the neck angle is good? Got measurements?
It's a hypothetical question. This isn't anything I've personally encountered.

But let's say the neck angle is good, based on the straightedge and 1/2-inch tests as mentioned on Frets: http://www.frets.com/fretspages/musi...neckangle.html
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Old 02-17-2012, 08:57 PM
mc1 mc1 is offline
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if the neck angle is good, then the saddle won't be low...

it's like two sides of the same coin.
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Old 02-17-2012, 08:58 PM
gitnoob gitnoob is offline
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If the neck angle is fine, that means the top of the bridge is level with the frets. So low saddle means low action. If you went lower, the strings would be resting on the fretboard.
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Old 02-17-2012, 09:02 PM
skatalite skatalite is offline
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Originally Posted by gitnoob View Post
If the neck angle is fine, that means the top of the bridge is level with the frets. So low saddle means low action. If you went lower, the strings would be resting on the fretboard.
Right, but I've read a couple posts in the past about bridges being built too tall? Or perhaps it was for a different issue.

Just wondering if this is even possible?
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Old 02-17-2012, 09:06 PM
gitnoob gitnoob is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by skatalite View Post
Right, but I've read a couple posts in the past about bridges being built too tall? Or perhaps it was for a different issue.

Just wondering if this is even possible?
The metrics at frets.com are rules of thumb. There's a bit of wiggle room in terms of neck angle, bridge height, saddle height, etc. Ultimately it comes down to whether or not you're able to get the action you want and the tone you want.

Larrivee and Martin both will use different bridge heights to match the neck angle of the guitar. I imagine it's a fairly common practice.
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Old 02-17-2012, 09:10 PM
leftycajun leftycajun is offline
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You could thin the bridge, or you could slot the bridge and use unslotted bridge pins. Thinning the bridge is just like it sounds, and slotting the bridge won't change the actual bridge geometry but it could increase the break angle depending on how deep you cut the slots. I'm actually dealing with this issue right now on an HD-28. Previous owner had way too much relief in the neck and lowered the saddle way too much to compensate rather than simply straightening the neck. Now the saddle is way too low the break angle is really shallow (affecting the pressure being transmitted to the pickup), and the action is approaching electric guitar territory. Great on a strat or tele, not so much on a Martin. My solution: raise the action slightly and slot the bridge. This should increase the break angle and give me a little more bluegrass friendly action.
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Old 02-17-2012, 10:24 PM
L20A L20A is offline
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There may be other issues with the guitar.
The top could be sinking.
Best to have the guitar looked at by a good Tech.
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Old 02-17-2012, 11:20 PM
RussB RussB is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by skatalite View Post
It's a hypothetical question. This isn't anything I've personally encountered.

But everyone keeps posting and trying to help you fix a guitar that only exists in your mind!
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  #11  
Old 02-17-2012, 11:24 PM
PowerTube PowerTube is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RussB View Post
But everyone keeps posting and trying to help you fix a guitar that only exists in your mind!
Actually not the case. I bought a Takamine two months ago and the treble side of the saddle only sticks up about 1/16 of an inch.

Should I try shaving the bridge itself down at some point?
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  #12  
Old 02-17-2012, 11:24 PM
skatalite skatalite is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RussB View Post
But everyone keeps posting and trying to help you fix a guitar that only exists in your mind!
Haha and it turns out someone actually has this issue with their Martin!

I figured it was possible, so thought I'd ask if anyone ran into it, and what was done about it.
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  #13  
Old 02-17-2012, 11:35 PM
RussB RussB is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PowerTube View Post
Actually not the case. I bought a Takamine two months ago and the treble side of the saddle only sticks up about 1/16 of an inch.

Should I try shaving the bridge itself down at some point?

The neck angle can be wrong on a new guitar too.
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  #14  
Old 02-18-2012, 08:44 PM
blue blue is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mc1 View Post
if the neck angle is good, then the saddle won't be low...

it's like two sides of the same coin.
Exactly. Now a saddle can be barely peaking over the bridge and the guitar can feel great! But it's just a matter of time before a reset is needed, and while you think it may sound good, it would probably sound better with more break over the saddle.

I guess I'm saying that plays great is not an indicator of good neck angle. Get a good metal straight edge ruler. It's pretty easy to do a layman's check of neck angle. Certainly accurately enough to see if the angle is bad.
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  #15  
Old 02-18-2012, 08:53 PM
mc1 mc1 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RussB View Post
But everyone keeps posting and trying to help you fix a guitar that only exists in your mind!
i'm thinking remove the strings and the problem goes away.
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