Your formula for saddle angle

[rick-slo]

Just curious - regarding intonation compensations what is your formula for determining saddle angle?

[charles Tauber]

On most steel string guitars, an angled slot is an approximation of where the strings should break to achieve good intonation. I use a wide saddle so that I can intonate each string as it needs to be, rather than rely upon the approximation an angled saddle slot and a narrow saddle allows.

[rick-slo]

Originally Posted by charles Tauber

On most steel string guitars, an angled slot is an approximation of where the strings should break to achieve good intonation. I use a wide saddle so that I can intonate each string as it needs to be, rather than rely upon the approximation an angled saddle slot and a narrow saddle allows.

For a given set of string gauges then? And then when building the same model of guitar using results on a guitar or starting anew one guitar at a time? And how do you pick out the approximate overall slot angle to use?

[charles Tauber]

Originally Posted by rick-slo

For a given set of string gauges then? And then when building the same model of guitar using results on a guitar or starting anew one guitar at a time? And how do you pick out the approximate overall slot angle to use?

As I said, I don't angle the slot.

I position the non-angled saddle at a position that adds to the scale length 2 to 3 mm on the high E string and about 5 mm on the low E. I use a 3/16" (5 mm) wide saddle sufficient to put the break points anywhere in between. For a specific type or gauge of string, the actual break points are determined empirically using a strobe tuner.

[rick-slo]

Originally Posted by charles Tauber

As I said, I don't angle the slot.

I position the non-angled saddle at a position that adds to the scale length 2 to 3 mm on the high E string and about 5 mm on the low E.

? That would be an upfront slot angle.

I realize you fine tune the saddle upper surface after that.

[Mark Hatcher]

I use the Stew-Mac fret calculator and set the slot angle off the estimated E string lengths. I center the lengths to the slot width and then do final intonation with a dummy saddle.

[rick-slo]

Originally Posted by Mark Hatcher

I use the Stew-Mac fret calculator and set the slot angle off the estimated E string lengths. I center the lengths to the slot width and then do final intonation with dummy saddle.

Thanks for the info. I will check into that calculator.

[Imbler]

Originally Posted by rick-slo

Thanks for the info. I will check into that calculator.

I did my first steel string after building 5 classicals and used the Stew Mac calculator as well. I found it to give very good intonation. The numbers on the plan I was using were obviously wrong,

[mirwa]

Your bridge, don’t cut the saddle slot yet, tune the guitar up.

Slide small pieces of wood under each string and move them until you get correct intonation. Mark the position of these pieces of wood with a pencil, cut your saddle slot to cover these penciled areas.

Well that’s what I do

Steve

[Rodger Knox]

I use scale length +1/16" for the high e and +3/16" for the low e to the front edge of the saddle, or 1/8" across the width of the strings. I don't know the angle, but it wouldn't be hard to calculate. I believe I got that from Cupiano's book, but it could have been somewhere else.

Originally Posted by mirwa

Your bridge, don’t cut the saddle slot yet, tune the guitar up.

Slide small pieces of wood under each string and move them until you get correct intonation. Mark the position of these pieces of wood with a pencil, cut your saddle slot to cover these penciled areas.

Well that’s what I do

Steve

I like that idea better.

[Otterhound]

3 degrees is typical .

[redir]

I built this jig out of a book, can't remember which one bow, about 30 years ago and have used it on about 60 guitars now. I've never had any problems with intonation outside of what's normal for any instrument and that can be mitigated a bit even on a 1/8th saddle.

I do really like 1/4in saddles though.

[Shuksan]

Originally Posted by Rodger Knox

I use scale length +1/16" for the high e and +3/16" for the low e to the front edge of the saddle, or 1/8" across the width of the strings.

This is the same thing I do and then I get the intonation for each string right on by shaping the top of the saddle.

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