Re: Repair & Finish 40 year old project
Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2022 2:53 pm
First, keep it simple. Try a different set of strings. See if a different type of string sounds better.
You're saddle doesn't seem too bad. It's your call on this. A well-fitting saddle does make a difference. If you should decide to replace the saddle, make sure it's dead flat on the bottom. The slot should also be dead flat. Don't try to slant anything.
Is the saddle bone? Material makes a huge difference.
Peter is right in everything he's posted. I don't want you to think that I disagree with him.
But, this is my opinion. Lol
I would make another saddle that sits squarely on the bottom of the slot. I've had a couple of leaning saddles and it made a big difference when I replaced them. I'm also a perfectionist and that leaning saddle would just bug me to death. I also have a shop and 50 zillion saddle blanks, so i can easily replace the saddle.
Also, you mention that the slot is shallow. How deep is the slot? If it is too shallow, it will most certainly affect your sound. The best way to deepen the slot is with a router. You can do it with a small chisel, but you'd have to make sure the bottom of the slot is truly flat. That takes a flat file that's thin enough to fit into the slot.
I have a saddle jig that I use now. I didn't always own one, so I figured out a way to control the router with a rudimentary jig made from 2 lengths of wood set parallel to each other on a board with 2 more pieces to put under each end as supports. I left a gap for the bit. To get the right angle, i moved the angle of the jig.
This is by no means a perfect solution or idiot proof. But, I can make a drawing. I don't think I have any photos of it.
You're saddle doesn't seem too bad. It's your call on this. A well-fitting saddle does make a difference. If you should decide to replace the saddle, make sure it's dead flat on the bottom. The slot should also be dead flat. Don't try to slant anything.
Is the saddle bone? Material makes a huge difference.
Peter is right in everything he's posted. I don't want you to think that I disagree with him.
But, this is my opinion. Lol
I would make another saddle that sits squarely on the bottom of the slot. I've had a couple of leaning saddles and it made a big difference when I replaced them. I'm also a perfectionist and that leaning saddle would just bug me to death. I also have a shop and 50 zillion saddle blanks, so i can easily replace the saddle.
Also, you mention that the slot is shallow. How deep is the slot? If it is too shallow, it will most certainly affect your sound. The best way to deepen the slot is with a router. You can do it with a small chisel, but you'd have to make sure the bottom of the slot is truly flat. That takes a flat file that's thin enough to fit into the slot.
I have a saddle jig that I use now. I didn't always own one, so I figured out a way to control the router with a rudimentary jig made from 2 lengths of wood set parallel to each other on a board with 2 more pieces to put under each end as supports. I left a gap for the bit. To get the right angle, i moved the angle of the jig.
This is by no means a perfect solution or idiot proof. But, I can make a drawing. I don't think I have any photos of it.