Bone vs. Graphtec on my new Larrivee OM40

[Davidb]

Hello all.
Just signed up to your community after lurking for a few weeks. After exhaustive research, I've just purchased what I consider to be my first fine guitar. A Larrivee OM40 and I'm loving it.
My question as indicated above is regarding the stock saddle (Graphtec) on the OM.
I've read here that a bone saddle can make a significant difference in the tone of the instrument. When I discussed this with the retailer, he said that the Graphtec saddles on Larrivees are so close to bone that I would probably not notice a difference in tone.
Opinions?

[riverman]

Originally Posted by Davidb

Hello all.
Just signed up to your community after lurking for a few weeks. After exhaustive research, I've just purchased what I consider to be my first fine guitar. A Larrivee OM40 and I'm loving it.
My question as indicated above is regarding the stock saddle (Graphtec) on the OM.
I've read here that a bone saddle can make a significant difference in the tone of the instrument. When I discussed this with the retailer, he said that the Graphtec saddles on Larrivees are so close to bone that I would probably not notice a difference in tone.
Opinions?

I've anything but a golden ear, but I've always replaced stock saddles with bone replacements on any guitar that didn't have perfect intonation ($30 is a small price ot pay for good intonation!). the best results were on a weird sigma with macassar ebony b&s that had a plastic nut originally. after poping the bone in there, the guitar literally came alive. the bass response on it was flipping phenomenal after that!

with the other 8 or so guitar's I've had professionals install bone nuts in, there was no noticeable difference in tone, just better intonation than the non-shaped nuts that were originally in them.

actually, my mahogany/spruce dread tak had slightly better sustain afterwords, but it was most likely the better strings it was strung with.

but once again, I am guessing my ear isn't great at hearing the differences

[jlkitch]

I believe that Larrivees are reasonably well compensated at the factory. My OM-05 has no problems with its intonation. That being said, at the next string change, a Colosi bone saddle is being installed. What's that old statement, "do what I say not what I do."

[AFNospam]

I've had guitars that the bone was just too soft and wore very fast. Unless the manufacture or builder can affirm that the bone is consistent and hard, I usually change to Graphtec Tusq with the first string change (still, I only have one guitar that still has a bone nut and saddle). I have also found Tusq to be more consitent in volume across all strings to my ear. I guess I'm one of the few that will admit I like the Graphtec Tusq product.

[banpreso]

what's a OM40?

[Davidb]

OM-40 is a special edition OM-03R (with some extra detailing) made specifically for a Canadian retailer. I'll post a picture when I get the chance.

[missouri.picker]

I went with ivory and yes I can tell a major difference, especially in sustain. and yes it is documented pre-ban elephant ivory from a museum piece. so no need to lecture me, lol