Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi all!

I was just wondering what you all use to shim a bridge saddle that's too low. I'm currently using thin maple veneer but I'm not satisfied with the results; it seems to dempen the sound a bit

Thanks!

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Alain Moisan
Former full time builder of Acoustics, Classicals and Flamencos.
(Now building just for fun!)

Saddle material, bone is not expensive enough in my opinion to shim them except teperararaly like refitting a neck then I use maple strips if there is a reason to have the stings on. Otherwise i make new saddles.

two things I have done: 1) get a new saddle blank which is taller or 2) once i have height I want with a shim, (maple works but i have used rosewood as that is what he bridge material is,) I glue it in the slot with CA to try and integrate it to the bridge. Then the saddle slides in as per original plan.

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Greg
http://garibaldiinstruments.com/

One thing that is often done with instruments that are out on the road when a player want to raise the action a tad or anytime for short term duty is to take a piece or several pieces of card stock and using thin CA glue to the bottom of the saddle (not the slot) allow to cure and clean up the joint with sandpaper. You can even sand the card stock a bit after the CA cures. But still if this is a long term thing I suggest you make a new saddle.

The shim has to be full length too. Otherwise you loose energy in the area where the gap is. At least that's my experience.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Nothing - I make the saddle fit right or I make a new one until it does......

I really like Mario's practice of delivering guitars with two saddles for the summer and winter seasons.

Alain;
i use old discarded piano ivory !
They actually throw that away when a piano is re-done on the white keys!
I'd rather see them using FAKE Ivory than killing a beautiful animal to get real Ivory!!

It's more than long enough!!
And it varies in thickness-so just fine the one you need -or thin one -or glue two pieces and thin to what you need!
I've made guitars and done repairs for piano tuners and I always ask what do ya do with the old Ivory!!!!!!!!
It varies in thickness-but is suitable for tieblocks !
Get ahold of a piano restoration person in your area and ask -what do you do with the old Ivory !!

By the way I just finished the repair on the 72 Contreras Negra with pegs!
Would you like the measurements ?
Mike

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Mike Collins

I keep the bone saddles that I screwed up and thin them down to what I want on the drill press disk sander. Then superglue to the bottom of the saddle that needs the shim. Hold with spring clamps and snap off the excess and sand flush. I don't think it has any effect on sound. I've also got some old piano keys. never thought to use them for shims. Good idea!
For a temporary shim I usually use ebony or rosewood strips.
Terry

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It's not what you don't know that hurts you, it's what you do know that's wrong.

same as hesh and others and make one. if on my own easy enough if in repair do same and send the original back with customer.

Mike, I'd love to hear any measurement and info you might offer on that Contreras!

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Build log

Thanks all of you!

Mike: Don't bother for the mesurements for (although Alex would like them...). I don't intend to use pegs.

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Alain Moisan
Former full time builder of Acoustics, Classicals and Flamencos.
(Now building just for fun!)