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#1
07-30-2018, 08:07 PM
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Low saddle
The saddle on the treble side of my 2012 Martin sits low in the bridge:
 The action is good, 4/64" at the 12th fret. Is there any known drawback to this? Thanks, Mike.
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2017 Martin D-28 2015 Martin OM-21 1974 William Kingsly classical Fender "Eric Johnson" strat 75' RI Fender Jazz bass 
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#2
07-30-2018, 08:23 PM
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Not if each usable fret rings out. I have a K. Yairi dread that’s almost that low, and it doesn’t affect the tone adversely at all. I’m sure it will need a neck re-set in five or six years. Until then, I’m a happy camper.
Drew (it is low, though)
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#3
07-30-2018, 08:41 PM
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Quote:
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Assuming is not knowing. Knowing is NOT the same as understanding. There is a difference between compassion and wisdom, however compassion cannot supplant wisdom, and wisdom can not occur without understanding. facts don't care about your feelings and FEELINGS ALONE MAKE FOR TERRIBLE, often irreversible DECISIONS 
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#4
07-30-2018, 08:54 PM
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I doubt you'll be able to take your action any lower, so a neck reset may be in your future. But yours looks no worse than a 2000 Martin 00016 I used to have. Once the ball ends are seated and the strings are brought up to pitch, you should have plenty of downward pressure on the saddle. The necessity of a severe break angle is overstated, IMO.
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#5
07-31-2018, 04:33 AM
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Bring it to a luthier. He/she will be able to tell you whether it is a problem or not. I do think you want at least a slight break angle, but let the expert tell you.
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Taylor 512ce Urban Ironbark Fender Special Edition Stratocaster Eastman SB59
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#6
07-31-2018, 06:13 AM
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My Southern Jumbo is low on the treble side. It may be a little lower than yours. It is within spec and plays great, but the repair shop at Maple Street Guitars in Atlanta told me that I will likely need a neck reset in the next 4-5 years.
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2019 Gibson Hummingbird Standard 2023 Epiphone Riviera
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#7
07-31-2018, 06:30 AM
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4/64 is pretty low for an acoustic guitar, that’s 62 thou, I don’t like actions less than 70 thou on the treble e, need some string height to drive that top.
If the action feels good for you and it’s working, leave it all alone. Steve
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Cole Clark Fat Lady Gretsch Electromatic Martin CEO7 Maton Messiah Taylor 814CE
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#8
07-31-2018, 07:03 AM
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1/8th inch is generally considered ideal saddle height out of the bridge slot. You can then either go a bit higher or a bit lower then that and not worry about it.
It's hard to tell by looking at that pic but it almost looks like the saddle is flatter then a typical radius. You could measure that at the 12th fret string height. That might just be an illusion and if so then you have nothing to worry about. If you have 1/16th in action on the high e-string with no buzz then consider yourself lucky.
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#9
07-31-2018, 07:43 AM
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Quote:
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2018 Guild F-512 Sunburst -- 2007 Guild F412 Ice Tea burst 2002 Guild JF30-12 Whiskeyburst -- 2011 Guild F-50R Sunburst 2011 Guild GAD D125-12 NT -- 1972 Epiphone FT-160 12-string 2012 Epiphone Dot CH -- 2010 Epiphone Les Paul Standard trans amber 2013 Yamaha Motif XS7 Cougar's Soundcloud page
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#11
07-31-2018, 08:08 AM
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Mine looked like that from the factory. Needed a neck reset. I just got it back from Martin. Check that a straight edge laid along the neck and moved back to the bridge hits the top of the bridge or close to it. If not the neck angle may be off. I had barely any break angle over the treble strings and the sound was not nearly as good as it is now after the reset.
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#12
07-31-2018, 09:50 AM
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The only thing that matters is how it plays - if it isn’t working for you, take it to a luthier and see what they suggest.
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More than a few Santa Cruz’s, a few Sexauers, a Patterson, a Larrivee, a Cumpiano, and a Klepper!!
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#13
07-31-2018, 10:10 PM
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The high e string break angle is pretty flat, but at this time it plays well and sounds good. I wasn't aware that the action will get higher over time, so this may become an issue in the future:
[IMG]  [/IMG]
__________________
2017 Martin D-28 2015 Martin OM-21 1974 William Kingsly classical Fender "Eric Johnson" strat 75' RI Fender Jazz bass
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#14
08-01-2018, 06:36 AM
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If you do a search on the forum for 'break angle' then you will probably come across a study that Alan Carruth did on it. In short, it doesn't take much of a break angle to deliver full string energy - you're fine. With the super low action that you have now you'll have many years of playing ahead.
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#15
08-01-2018, 07:02 AM
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No worries about break angle. Take a look at floating bridge/tailpiece guitars.... They have only a tiny break angle and they play just fine....
As Steve says - that's a very low action for an acoustic. And that's very likely driving the reason for the "Short" saddle.... A more typical action would have a saddle 0.040" taller just due to string height. So if the action feels good and it's stable - play it and let it be for now.
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