Cutting saddles?

dano · Post by **dano** » Wed Nov 12, 2003 1:13 pm

I have just purchased a '80 4001s FG and the saddles need to be cut. What do you use to cut these? What do I need to be aware of when doing this? Any advise? Thanks!

jps · Post by **jps** » Wed Nov 12, 2003 1:26 pm

Why do they need to be cut? Are these new saddles on the bridge? Files should do the job as you don't need really deep notches to hold the string in place. When you do the filing remember that the arc of the strings in relation to the fingerboard is also determined by this.

jayfbv · Post by **jayfbv** » Wed Nov 12, 2003 2:24 pm

There are specialized files for this. Normally a set is used instead of faking it. Each file is flat at a specific thickness, with a rounded file pattern on each edge. Check out www.stew-mac.com for examples/prices. Search for "Nut Files."

dano · Post by **dano** » Wed Nov 12, 2003 2:35 pm

These are not new, but have never been cut. It appears that someone purchased new saddles for this and never cut them in. You can see the grooves where the strings were seated. It's enough to hold them in place, but I feel they need to be cut a little deeper. Thanks for the advise. I'll check out them tools at stew-mac but I will probably just buy a thin file at the local hardware store since they don't need to be cut that much.

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Wed Nov 12, 2003 3:06 pm

A dremmel with the right attachment and 5 to 10 minutes and you are done ...

dano · Post by **dano** » Wed Nov 12, 2003 3:14 pm

Thanks Jeff. I have a dremmel multi-pro. What type of attachment would you suggest? I have a engraving attachment that may work.

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Wed Nov 12, 2003 4:27 pm

I use that thin flat abrasive disk thingy ...

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Wed Nov 12, 2003 6:15 pm

I use a round ******* file, works great for both nuts and saddles, I buy them at Sears.

sneakers · Post by **sneakers** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 4:50 am

Ideally, you should use a round file with the same or slightly larger diameter as the string guage you will be using. Bass saddles are more forgiving than guitar saddle pieces. Bass strings are less apt to break if you don't get the saddles just right. Ric saddles are made of a softer steel and can easily be filed. Make sure you've got the correct spacing between the strings.

johnhall · Post by **johnhall** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 6:26 am

A zinc alloy, actually.

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 4:18 pm

The ******* file is a round graduated file, if you are careful you can use it for all four saddles because it starts at a point and gradually gets bigger.