Gilmourized Posted September 17, 2021 Share Posted September 17, 2021 (edited) Hi, the saddle of my 2018 J-35 is thinner than the slot, there appears to be a 0.1/0.2 mm (roughly the thickness of a sheet of paper) gap between the back of the saddle and the back edge of the slot; the saddle itself leans forward a little and it'll fall out if I flip the guitar over when the strings are off the guitar. This is the stock saddle from the factory. I don't notice particular issues with the sound as is, except for a slight ghost note on the F (5th string, 8th fret). Not sure that's related, though. Anyway, if I can improve the sound a little I'm all for it. Do you guys think I'd better replace this saddle? I'm thinking of giving Bob Colosi's saddles a shot. Thanks! Edited September 17, 2021 by Gilmourized Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olie Posted September 17, 2021 Share Posted September 17, 2021 That saddle needs replacing. The bridge can crack and any number of negative things can happen. A saddle is a cheap fix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jedzep Posted September 17, 2021 Share Posted September 17, 2021 One of the most important aspects of the 'geometry' of tone, is a snug, maximum contact saddle. Also, the strings pushing your saddle forward will eventually cause either a cracked or lifting bridge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gilmourized Posted September 17, 2021 Author Share Posted September 17, 2021 Yeah, that's what I figured. I've actually edited the measurement since it's actually about the size of one or two sheets of paper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E-minor7 Posted September 17, 2021 Share Posted September 17, 2021 1 hour ago, Gilmourized said: Yeah, that's what I figured. I've actually edited the measurement since it's actually about the size of one or two sheets of paper Normally shims are meant to go under the saddle, but talking about sheets of paper, I actually side-shimmed a saddle which had a leaning-problem with a paper-stripe. Not ideal, but I try to avoid replacing the special type of bone because it corresponds with the nut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomPhx Posted September 17, 2021 Share Posted September 17, 2021 I'd replace the saddle, and Colosi saddles are what I use. They come slightly thicker and a little sanding makes them fit nicely, make sure the bottom is dead flat. I think a better fitting saddle is an easy, low cost way to ensure the best sound transmission through the guitar top. All the best with this on your J-35. 3 hours ago, Gilmourized said: ...Do you guys think I'd better replace this saddle? I'm thinking of giving Bob Colosi's saddles a shot. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhanners623 Posted September 17, 2021 Share Posted September 17, 2021 (edited) Awhile back I had a Bob Colosi saddle installed in my 2016 J-35 and the guy who did the work (Kevin Schwab at St. Paul Guitar Repair) said the original saddle was too thin so it was leaning in the saddle slot and not making good contact with the bridge. Since I always change the strings one at a time, I never noticed how loose it was. The Colosi saddle was a marked improvement and Kevin fit it to the slot perfectly. It's turned out very well. Edited September 17, 2021 by dhanners623 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoSoxBiker Posted September 19, 2021 Share Posted September 19, 2021 I was in the same boat as David. I didn't know my Love Dove had a loose saddle until my 3rd string change. One at a time string changes until then. I blame it on a year in the dry Montana air, maybe? One mine, I could slide a .011 feeler gauge into it's worst spot and a .008 anywhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fortyearspickn Posted September 20, 2021 Share Posted September 20, 2021 I found I could slip a $5 bill between the saddle and bridge slot, but not a $10 bill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoSoxBiker Posted September 20, 2021 Share Posted September 20, 2021 43 minutes ago, fortyearspickn said: I found I could slip a $5 bill between the saddle and bridge slot, but not a $10 bill. Pull the G-string back a bit and you'll be able to insert any amount of money you want. 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E-minor7 Posted September 20, 2021 Share Posted September 20, 2021 8 hours ago, BoSoxBiker said: Pull the G-string back a bit and you'll be able to insert any amount of money you want. It's a joke I understand - no teacher come and say nothing is learned by drifting round in red-lite-districts. . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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