There are two simple ways to address the break-out of the slot. One is to make the slot further back from the front edge of the bridge, so there's more material there to resist splitting. I'm not sure why the tradition of putting the saddle so far forward has persisted for so long. The other is to angle the slot back, as seen from the side. If the saddle axis bisects the break angle over the top there is no net tipping force on it, and it will never break out the front of the slot. This is how violins get away with that tall, skinny bridge. Even a little bit of back angle helps. That and, of course, not using too much break angle.... As far as I can tell 15 degrees or so of break should be 'enough'. Rick Turner espouses the idea of tipping the saddle back by 9*. Not only does this reduce the tipping force, it also (slightly) increases the down force on a UST, and automatically adjusts the compensation when you raise or lower the saddle.
|