Bridge Modification for a Carlos 207 Acoustic Guitar

[jdk3d]

I bought a Carlos 207 in remarkably good condition and replaced the nut and saddle with bone. I also gave it a basic set up with custom light strings (11-52). It plays really nicely and it's very easy on the fingers. I realize a small bodied guitar like this has certain tonal characteristics, but I'd like it to have a little more punch, volume and stronger bass tones.

I was wondering whether it would be worth the time and effort to replace the adjustable metal saddle holder with a hardwood piece that would hold the saddle at the right height while also centering it in the bridge exactly as the metal part currently does.. I've got a desktop CNC that I could use to carve an a piece of hardword to exact specifications.

Will replacing the metal with wood improve the tone and volume, or should I just enjoy the guitar for what it is with the original metal saddle holder?

I would upload some photos, but I can't figure out how to do it, so here's another example of the guitar, but this one has a different saddle arrangement. Mine has a metal insert with screws to adjust the saddle height.

http://socalgearmuseum.blogspot.com/...ic-guitar.html

Thanks!

[mirwa]

You reduce a fair amount of weight by getting rid of the metal insert.

Most luthiers would make their own, I know I do.

[jdk3d]

Thanks, that looks exactly like what I was envisioning. I might make one, too, but I'm not sure if it would it be a significant enough improvement to the sound of the guitar to put the time and effort into doing it.

What do you think, if I may ask?

Thanks.

[mirwa]

My customer thought it was a huge improvement.

Steve

[jdk3d]

Great! I'll give it a shot.