NGD - Pono OO-20D

[Lee Callicutt]

Originally Posted by Fatfinger McGee

I'll note that the saddle is quite tall, almost 1/4" on the bass side, and the break angle fairly steep as a result. Action is great and the intonation is fine, so not something I'm worried about right now, and can be addressed at the next setup. I guess it gives me plenty to shave before I need a neck reset.

I expect this is an intentional design feature of Pono. My saddle is quite tall as well, providing plenty of string height over the soundboard, and excellent string break angle -- and yet it probably has the lowest action of all my acoustics.

If you'll notice, the saddle's routed slot is canted ever so slightly back so that the saddle isn't bearing the strings at a ninety degree angle. It's a design feature that makes a lot of sense.

[Fatfinger McGee]

Ah, good point on the saddle - hadn’t noticed that slight cant.

I don’t mind the scarf joint, in fact I prefer it on a steeply angled headstock like this. Traditional one-piece neck with an angled headstock is very wasteful, and leaves weakened short end grain right at the headstock (see: Gibson les paul). It’s a very nice joint, and a stronger design, what’s not to like.