Making notches in a saddle

[lex666]

Hey guys,

I'm thinking about putting a TonePros bridge on one of my guitars.

Problem is, there are no notches on the saddles for the strings...

What's the best and most cost effective way to put the right notches on those saddles?

I looked at StewMac and they have files for this, but don't wanna spend big bucks on files that I'll probably only use once... The TonePros stuff is already $$ as it is...

I wanna keep it low budget, but still do it right. Any suggestions?


Thanks,

 

[lex666]

Re: Making notches in a saddle

Sorry, I meant to put this in the guitar room... can someone move this for me?


Thanks!

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: Making notches in a saddle

Hey guys,

I'm thinking about putting a TonePros bridge on one of my guitars.

Problem is, there are no notches on the saddles for the strings...

What's the best and most cost effective way to put the right notches on those saddles?

I looked at StewMac and they have files for this, but don't wanna spend big bucks on files that I'll probably only use once... The TonePros stuff is already $$ as it is...

I wanna keep it low budget, but still do it right. Any suggestions?


Thanks,

Really?

Tone Pros sells their upgrade bridge with no string grooves?

 

[lex666]

Re: Making notches in a saddle

Really?

Tone Pros sells their upgrade bridge with no string grooves?

Yes, its true. They do have some models that already have grooves, but the one I need for an ABR1 style bridge does not.

The regular (Nashville?) TOM is available with notches as an option. But not the ABR1. (of course)

 

[uOpt]

Re: Making notches in a saddle

What's the best and most cost effective way to put the right notches on those saddles?

It's - not.

According to the worst LP sniffers that's best.

I can imagine it is, but I only have pre-notched ABR1s here so what do I know.

 

[tone4days]

Re: Making notches in a saddle

iirc, dan erlewine covers this in one of his book - i'll try to remember to check when i get home tonite and post up what he has to say

iirc, it involves an expendable set of strings and a gentle bang from a soft-ish tipped hammer

good luck

 

[Redmist]

Re: Making notches in a saddle

Yip, that's what StuMac suggested that Gibson techs do.
Strung up as normal with old strings and whacked with a fret hammer.
Finish it off smooth with wet and dry after.

 

[subanots]

Re: Making notches in a saddle

you dont really need them.

if you really want them, you could file them, but without having done this before, I wouldnt recommend it.

I know that's not what you wanted to hear, but if you mess up, you need a new saddle.

the tension of the strings should hold the strings in place, as long as you arent too drop-tuned or if you have heavy hands, or both.

I replaced the bridge on my strat and the new saddles are really smooth. My high e does slide around a bit, but it doesnt bother me much.

I would contact Beandip for info, he knows of more cost effective ways of getting the tools.

I stick with LMI and Stewmac, which usually isnt the best price, lol.

lemme see if I can find a good walkthrough with pics, if ya wanna try it still...

 

[Docrock]

Re: Making notches in a saddle

I thought this was about your sexual conquests

 

[astrozombie]

Re: Making notches in a saddle

3 corner needle file and a sheet of 600 grit sandpaper, use the file to barely put a notch in the slot, just enough to keep the string from going anywhere, then fold a sliver of sandpaper in half and rub in in the notch,just so it wont move.

got beandip to answer for ya.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Making notches in a saddle

I don't know if there's a Harbor Freight tool store near you, but I won't ever buy tools anywhere else anymore...because of how cheap it is.

Get a triangular jewelers file for a couple bucks. Before you start filing, to avoid do-overs, align the strings and mark the saddles with a Sharpie marker. Make sure they're perfect, then begin. Go easy....you don't want to mess it up.

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Making notches in a saddle

Bill is right... It'll cost you a set of cheap stings. Tune em up nicely, get them centered where you want them (over the pole pieces? haha) and then give them a gentle rap with a soft ended hammer. It'll provide just about all the notch you'll ever need. You can clean them up from there if you want, but probably not needed. I've actually done this myself with a tonepros bridge.

 

[lex666]

Re: Making notches in a saddle

Thank you gentlemen. Your help is always appreciated.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Making notches in a saddle

i was able to put some notches in my STOPTAIL when i had the SG strung up with .013's and was back-wrapping.

i would just string it up and let the notches wear in naturally.

 

[lex666]

Re: Making notches in a saddle

Coincidentally, Stewmac sent this "how to" email to me today.

I thought it was very helpful, so I thought I'd share.

If you don't subscribe to these emails from StewMac, you should. Lots of good info...

http://www.stewmac.com/tradesecrets...wsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ts0109

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: Making notches in a saddle

I love those emails!

 

[Eblis]

Re: Making notches in a saddle

I love those emails!

No doubt, I just got that about 5 minutes ago and was gonna post it here.

Perfect timing.