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I just saw a review of Tim Mc's guitar on the 13th fret. I'm curious about the "toothed" saddle and nut. Tim can you give some insight as to what this does for you and how you go about doing it? Thanks Paul

Hi Paul:
I borrowed the idea from Dan Lashbrook who is a set up guru to the country world. I have never spoken to Dan and I don't know his explanation for it but here is my take on how and why it works: By removing material from between the strings I am redirecting the vibration path imparted to the nut and saddle by the strings. Instead of allowing the vibration to travel outward I cut that path off and redirect it down into the neck and bridge, where it is supposed to go.

I have done an A/B test with a "normal" nut and saddle and there is a noticeable difference in volume and sustain.

How do I do it? Install the nut and cut the nut slots. Install the nut and saddle, position the strings with the proper spacing and draw a sharp pencil line on either side of each string on the top of the nut and saddle. Draw another line where the nut and saddle meets the wood on the FB, headstock and bridge. Remove the nut and saddle and clamp in a mini vise. I then use a Dremmel and scallop them. I use two different size grinding stones [for sharpening chain saw chains]. Can't think of the diameters at the moment. One is gray and the other is red and they are sold by Oregon. The small one is used on the nut and the larger one for the saddle. I have tried to use rotary files and burrs but they flake and chip the bone. The grinding stones are slower but leave a nice smooth chip free surface. Wear a respirator and goggles as it's pretty smokie while grinding the bone. I then finish up with sandpaper and a bath in some nice strong tea ;)

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tim...
http://www.mcknightguitars.com

Tea bath?

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DES - Shepherd, MI

[QUOTE=Darin Spayd] Tea bath?[/QUOTE]

Certainly! The caffeine really imparts a zing to the tone, highlighting the upper partials.   

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

Darin, here is a link to the other Kinnaird Bro's use of tea.
Tea Don A38388.9855555556

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Don Atwood
Arlington, VA

See, I knew us Brits almost religious devotion to tea (our national game of Cricket even has a Tea break at 4.00pm)had to serve some purpose!

Colin

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I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.