Adjustable saddle for Gibson Hummingbird copy

Dinosaur-Snr

Hi Guys

I recently got my hands on a Hummingbird copy, but it seems to be missing its saddle.
Does anyone know where I would be able to get one in the greater CT area?

Thanks for your help comrades!

Peace

Bob-Dubery

Do you want to look authentic or to sound as good as possible?

IMO you'll get better sound if you get somebody to cut you a new conventional saddle for that slot. It'll also work better with an under saddle pickup if you want to go that route in the future.

AlanRatcliffe

You can't get them unless you find a luthier with an old one lurking from a conversion job. Otherwise take it to someone to haveit converted - the slot filled and rerouted for a proper narrow saddle (which is also better if you ever want to fit an undersaddle pickup).

[EDIT: the X-man beat me to it again!]

Dinosaur-Snr

X-rated Bob wrote Do you want to look authentic or to sound as good as possible?

IMO you'll get better sound if you get somebody to cut you a new conventional saddle for that slot. It'll also work better with an under saddle pickup if you want to go that route in the future.

Ive heard of that option before, do you know of anyone who can cut a saddle for it?

Alan Ratcliffe wrote You can't get them unless you find a luthier with an old one lurking from a conversion job. Otherwise take it to someone to haveit converted - the slot filled and rerouted for a proper narrow saddle (which is also better if you ever want to fit an undersaddle pickup).

[EDIT: the X-man beat me to it again!]

Thanks Alan, Fastest finger first. i think its time I make a visit to Foster... ?

Bob-Dubery

Just a thought - if you're planning to fit a UST type pickup then you may save overall if you get both jobs done at the same time.

Dinosaur-Snr

Thanks X-man, definitely something to consider! Ive heard these types of bridges cause alot of tone and volume loss, so maybe I should just get rid of that saddle... :-\

Reinhard

Dinosaur Snr wrote
X-rated Bob wrote Do you want to look authentic or to sound as good as possible?

IMO you'll get better sound if you get somebody to cut you a new conventional saddle for that slot. It'll also work better with an under saddle pickup if you want to go that route in the future.
Ive heard of that option before, do you know of anyone who can cut a saddle for it?

Foster van der Merwe is in Panorama, he builds acoustic guitars, I am sure he can help you.

Bob-Dubery

Dinosaur Snr wrote Thanks X-man, definitely something to consider! Ive heard these types of bridges cause alot of tone and volume loss, so maybe I should just get rid of that bridge... :-\

You need to differentiate between bridge and saddle

The bridge is the piece of wood that is fastened to the top. The saddle is the white (in your picture) piece over which the strings ride.

The saddle transfers vibrations to the bridge, and the bridge transfers vibrations to the top.

What Alan and I are both suggesting is that you get a new SADDLE. In this case this may mean filling the existing slot in the bridge, but the technician you consult with will discuss that with you.

Now... I've seen some of these guitars around and they have a SADDLE that can be raised relative to the bridge with two screws. That MUST effect the tone as there's a potential for a gap between bridge and saddle and so the transference of energy to the bridge must be via the posts on which the saddle is riding.

IMO get a new saddle cut and get that cut either from some kind of ivory or one of the good modern artificial materials such as Micarta or Tusq. A cheap plastic saddle will definitely have an impact on tone and probably not a very good impact.

Again a good guitar tech will be able to advise you. If you want to get a pickup fitted then that's also a factor as you want a material and a fit and finish that will do a good job of transmitting energy to the pickup.

Dinosaur-Snr

thanks for the explanation... Post corrected.