Tenor Guitar Compensation

[mjmeehan]

I am hoping someone here might be able to help me with the compensation for a 23" scale tenor guitar with a 1/8" saddle.

I use a stewmac saddlematic to help me find the compensation and it has served me well through four 6-string builds. However the tenor, which does has a compensated saddle slot, doesn't fit the "formula" of a six string. It cocks the bridge off at an odd angle. Obviously not correct.

My best guess is to measure my scale to the saddle, center the bridge on that mark and hope the saddle slot in the bridge is compensated correctly. But if anyone knows the proper "angle of the dangle" I'd appreciate it. There isn't much info. out there regarding four string tenors.

(p.s.- stewmac wasn't any help... first time ever...really!)

[tippie53]

If you just double the scale length you may find you are sharp. You need to allow a bit of length. If you have a 23 in scale you should be about 23 and 1/16 to the front of the saddle that will give you some compensation room

[mjmeehan]

And that's to the center of the saddle, correct?

Just making sure. I won't be setting anything anytime soon.

[tippie53]

no
to the front of the saddle

[mjmeehan]

Thanks for the help. Maybe I'll have some finished pics by next week!