Help with saddle

PK · August 21st, 2006, 01:10 PM

I had a pickup installed in my Martin HD-28 about a year ago, and the last time I was changing strings the saddle slipped out of it's slot in the bridge! It's never happened before, and I'm not positive it's related to the pickup installation. Should the saddle be glued back? If so what type of glue? Or, should I let an expert handle it? I wouldn't worry about it, but it seems to have an effect on the G string making it more difficult to get in tune and I also hear a creeking noise when I tighten the G string. Thanks in advance for any help or advice offered.

PK

Rob DiStefano · August 21st, 2006, 05:55 PM

NEVER EVER glue in a flatop acoustic saddle! Just stick it back into the bridge slot and string up. For saddle orientation, it will most likely be a tad taller at the bass side, and the bass strings will probably show larger saddle top grooves. That "creeking" "skritching" noise is most likely coming from nut slots (but can come from the saddle as well) that indicate needing a slot angling touch up with round edged nut files.

PK · August 22nd, 2006, 12:50 AM

Thanks Rob! That makes perfect sense. Glue seems so wrong, but I thought there might be some sort of contact cement. Also, now that you mention it, the luthier did replace the nut when he did the pickup, so I'll bet you're right on the money with your assessment of the nut. Thanks again!

PK

August 21st, 2006, 01:10 PM	#1 (permalink)
PK Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ventura California Age: 49 Posts: 634 7 Photos	Help with saddle I had a pickup installed in my Martin HD-28 about a year ago, and the last time I was changing strings the saddle slipped out of it's slot in the bridge! It's never happened before, and I'm not positive it's related to the pickup installation. Should the saddle be glued back? If so what type of glue? Or, should I let an expert handle it? I wouldn't worry about it, but it seems to have an effect on the G string making it more difficult to get in tune and I also hear a creeking noise when I tighten the G string. Thanks in advance for any help or advice offered. PK __________________ Wharf Rat

August 22nd, 2006, 12:50 AM	#3 (permalink)
PK Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ventura California Age: 49 Posts: 634 7 Photos	Thanks Rob! That makes perfect sense. Glue seems so wrong, but I thought there might be some sort of contact cement. Also, now that you mention it, the luthier did replace the nut when he did the pickup, so I'll bet you're right on the money with your assessment of the nut. Thanks again! PK __________________ Wharf Rat

August 21st, 2006, 05:55 PM	#2 (permalink)
Rob DiStefano Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Park Ridge, NJ Age: 63 Posts: 4,919	NEVER EVER glue in a flatop acoustic saddle! Just stick it back into the bridge slot and string up. For saddle orientation, it will most likely be a tad taller at the bass side, and the bass strings will probably show larger saddle top grooves. That "creeking" "skritching" noise is most likely coming from nut slots (but can come from the saddle as well) that indicate needing a slot angling touch up with round edged nut files.