Saddle intonation and string buzz

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JasonM

Posts: 2055
Joined: Dec. 8 2005
From: Baltimore

Saddle intonation and string buzz

I'm about to cut a new saddle, but the existing saddle doesn't have a clearly defined break angle to reference as in where the strings touch . It's kind of rounded at the treble end, and I'm hoping to eliminate some buzz from The treble strings ocurring at the saddle, and they kind of have a dull sound. I think the Intonation is ok. But a flamenco friend remarked that something was off with the G string especially.

Any guidance on how I shape the top of the saddle? I know this topic has been covered a lot, but the old saddle seems a bit worn out to just make a carbon copy.

I might see if I can take a pic or some video.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 23 2016 20:39:08

jshelton5040

Posts: 1500
Joined: Jan. 17 2005

RE: Saddle intonation and string buzz (in reply to JasonM)

Before you make a new saddle why don't you just put a shim under the one you have and see what happens?

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John Shelton - www.sheltonfarrettaguitars.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 24 2016 0:58:47

Leñador

Posts: 5237
Joined: Jun. 8 2012
From: Los Angeles

RE: Saddle intonation and string buzz (in reply to JasonM)

quote:

Before you make a new saddle why don't you just put a shim under the one you have and see what happens?

My friend wanted better action and sanded his saddle too far down and it buzzed a ton, I put a flat toothpick under it and there it stays. Worked like a charm.
When I went to install an LR bags anthem in my guitar I popped the saddle off and found it had a rosewood shim under it, the previous owner had German Vasquez do a set up on it, I'm guessing he put it there, what a classy shim! Lolol it was luckily the exact thickness as the piezo.

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\m/

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 24 2016 2:17:06

Cervantes

Posts: 503
Joined: Jun. 14 2014
From: Encinitas, CA USA

RE: Saddle intonation and string buzz (in reply to JasonM)

I have made exactly one saddle but it turned out pretty well.
I would measure the string height at the 12th fret and see how much each string needs to change, or just check the high and low E string and make the saddle a straight sloping line between them. If the G string intonation is off (I think usually it is sharp) then you need to add compensation to the saddle by putting a ramp in it so the G string contacts the saddle further back. I will be making another one soon as I have a new guitar and the bass strings are too low with excessive buzz.

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Ah well, there was a fantastic passion there, in my case anyway. I discovered flamenco
very early on. It grips you in a way that you can't get away - Paco Pena

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 24 2016 3:58:07

JasonM

Posts: 2055
Joined: Dec. 8 2005
From: Baltimore

RE: Saddle intonation and string buzz (in reply to Cervantes)

My action is about 2.7mm/2.3mm as best I can measure. I guess I'm wondering if the top of the saddle is the culprit, or the lack of a nice ramp. Normally the string contacts the apex of the ramp and then tapers back a little towards the tie block correct?

I made a saddle a while back wnere I raised the trebles a hair, but I lowered the bass too much. I can't remember what effect it had, but recently I noticed the break angle was too shallow so I drilled a 12 hole tie block and that made an improvement.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jun. 24 2016 17:25:11