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  #1  
Old 02-27-2021, 07:49 PM
rb1591 rb1591 is offline
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Default Enlarge bridge saddle slot

I want to install a Baggs LB6 pickup in a guitar that has a 3/32 inch saddle slot, so the slot has to be enlarged to 1/8 inch. The last time I had this done, it cost about $200 and took several weeks. The luthier did a good job, but I’m wondering if there’s a way that I could do it without tooling up and building/buying a proper jig. I don’t mind slow and manual.
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Old 02-28-2021, 11:45 AM
John Arnold John Arnold is offline
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Not really. A router requires a guide to make a straight, uniform slot. I have enlarged saddle slots with a chisel, but I don't recommend it.
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Old 02-28-2021, 11:52 AM
Rudy4 Rudy4 is online now
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$200 and several weeks? Yikes.

Although it takes enough time to rig up a router guide and a appropriate way to secure it, the job is simple for anyone that's reasonably competent with tools.

The only thing that should have taken "several weeks" would be fitting your job into the shop work queue. It's a 30 minute job.
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Old 02-28-2021, 01:26 PM
phavriluk phavriluk is offline
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Default new saddle, too

A new saddle 1/8" thick, will be needed. And as long as the saddle's getting swapped, maybe a review of setup (this is called 'specification creep') would be a good thing to do.
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Old 02-28-2021, 06:24 PM
RonMay RonMay is offline
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Default intonation

Quote:
Originally Posted by phavriluk View Post
A new saddle 1/8" thick, will be needed. And as long as the saddle's getting swapped, maybe a review of setup (this is called 'specification creep') would be a good thing to do.
I agree. Intonation should also be looked at if the center of that saddle is moved.

Ron
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Old 03-01-2021, 11:13 AM
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ArchtopLover ArchtopLover is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by John Arnold View Post
Not really. A router requires a guide to make a straight, uniform slot. I have enlarged saddle slots with a chisel, but I don't recommend it.
I agree. I've done this a few times now. It took me years to collect all the right tools, knowledge and skills to make and use a guide template to hold and align the Dremel router absolutely perfectly, so that you don't accidentally destroy the bridge slot. But, once you have the skills and tools, it's pretty easy .
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