At what point is a saddle "too high"?

[MaineGeezer]

I'm in the process of fitting the neck joint. I've got a good fit...but to get the proper string height at the 12th fret, I'll need a saddle about 1/4" high. This seems pretty high, creating a very sharp break angle going down to the bridge pins. Is it "too high"? What would be the maximum acceptable saddle height?

[tippie53]

I like to stay under .200 but iI have one at .250 for 10 yrs,, How thick is the saddle?

[MaineGeezer]

1/8", unbleached bone.

I think I'm finally beginning to understand the geometry of the neck joint and how to adjust it...after wondering if I'd end up sanding the heel of the neck down to nothing, a thou at a time, chasing an elusive fit! I may see whether I really do understand it and try adjusting the neck angle to require a lower saddle, but for reference I'd like to know what the upper limit is.

[tippie53]

with 1/8 you may be ok

[Ben-Had]

I try to keep mine between .14 & .18".

[tippie53]

when you set up the guitar and you shoot for about 3/8 in off the frets at the top where the saddle would go. Make the bridge about .35o thick and you will have about a .170 saddle give or take.
I like Ben's numbers .180 is perfect.

what we do want to know is how high are the strings off the top. That is also a very important number.

[Coach]

An old thread, but need to ask the question of John. What is the max measure you'd want the strings off the top? I've overset the neck a little bit on a new guitar. To make it playable, I had to raise the string height at the bridge to about .560". It being a new guitar and reasonably lightly built, I'm really hoping the top rises enough in the first few weeks so I can lower the saddle.

[johnnparchem]

I target 14 mm for a steel string off the top, yours is just a touch more.

[Coach]

... that is measured from the soundboard to the bottom of strings

[johnnparchem]

... that is measured from the soundboard to the bottom of strings

Yes