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Mark E
Lokahi
USA
186 Posts |
 Posted - 04/11/2007 : 6:14:02 PM
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Can anyone advise me as to the best material for a saddle and for bridge pins? I have a vintage Martin parlor guitar which has a very sweet sound but which needs a new saddle. Any suggestions will be gratefully received.
Mark E
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javeiro
Lokahi
USA
459 Posts |
Posted - 04/12/2007 : 04:01:48 AM
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Why not contact CF Martin and ask them how best to do this? I have contacted them before on a 1927 Martin I have and also on a ukulele and they have been very helpful.
Good luck! |
Aloha,
John A. |
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Admin
Pupule
USA
4551 Posts |
Posted - 04/12/2007 : 04:51:35 AM
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Hey Mark,
Contacting Martin is a good idea. Since you're not in Nazareth, Pennsylvania though, I'd check with your favorite luthier/guitar tech.
Bone is usually viewed as excellent for saddles. Here is an article: http://www.13thfret.com/bridge-pins.html |
Andy |
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hapakid
Luna Ho`omalu
USA
1533 Posts |
Posted - 04/12/2007 : 04:53:31 AM
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Hi Mark,
You can buy saddle blanks at the local music store and shape them with a fine file and sandpaper. But if you're not careful, it can take more blanks than you want to buy. You might let a pro make it for you.
If the old bridge is shaped properly, but just not high enough, you can use the old one as a template for the new one. Generally saddles are made of very hard plastics (names like Corian, Tusq) or bone. Some people swear by bone but I haven't noticed a difference.
Bridge pins are generally ebony, plastic or brass. Ebony is standard and most music stores sell sets.
Jesse Tinsley |
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Fran Guidry
Ha`aha`a
USA
1579 Posts |
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Mark E
Lokahi
USA
186 Posts |
Posted - 05/03/2007 : 7:28:01 PM
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Thanks for the suggestions, folks. I contacted Martin and they sent me a set of bridge pins free! (and unasked!!) They also suggested an ivory saddle but the rep who responded didn't know from elephant ivory, fossilized walrus, etc. A Martin Warranty luthier at Dusty Strings in Seattle advised non-fossilized ivory because you just can't hear the difference. So I bought a blank from him and plan to take your advice, Jesse, and have someone who knows what he's doing shape it for me.
Mahalo and Aloha nui all,
Mark E |
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Pops
Lokahi
USA
387 Posts |
Posted - 05/11/2007 : 07:34:27 AM
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Mark,
Contact Bob Smakula, of Smakula Fretted instruments (he has a website). Not only is his workmanship impecable, but he's a huge source of information. I even think he authored an article on this topic for the The Old Time Herald.
--Mark |
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