B with a rather extreme bend over saddle.

[Nev375]

Alright, so i'm working on a new bass build:
-----------------------------------------
Fender-type body, currently has a string-thru stock fender bridge.
Fanned fret neck 34" to 35" scale on the low side. (probably wont be finished for 3 more weeks)
tuning will be BEAD with a hipshot to drop to low A
Guesstimated gauges for first set are .60,.80,100,.135
-----------------------------------------

Based on my research and data from the neck builder, the B string saddle will probably end up positioned right "at" the edge of the string-thru hole. This would make a 90deg. bend over the saddle itself and I'm concerned about breakage.

Of course, I could just get a badass II and top-load, but I'm keeping that as a last resort.

Obviously, a taper or exposed core will be a must, but Ive never seen a string bent that hard over the bridge. Have you?

Any advice, recommendations or technical input would be most appreciated.

[okcrum]

Originally Posted by Nev375

Alright, so i'm working on a new bass build:
-----------------------------------------
Fender-type body, currently has a string-thru stock fender bridge.
Fanned fret neck 34" to 35" scale on the low side. (probably wont be finished for 3 more weeks)
tuning will be BEAD with a hipshot to drop to low A
Guesstimated gauges for first set are .60,.80,100,.135
-----------------------------------------

Based on my research and data from the neck builder, the B string saddle will probably end up positioned right "at" the edge of the string-thru hole. This would make a 90deg. bend over the saddle itself and I'm concerned about breakage.

Of course, I could just get a badass II and top-load, but I'm keeping that as a last resort.

Obviously, a taper or exposed core will be a must, but Ive never seen a string bent that hard over the bridge. Have you?

Any advice, recommendations or technical input would be most appreciated.

What's the saddle radius? That's what really determines how sharp the break is (and thus the stresses in the string), and the string will have some break angle between 0 and 90 degrees over that radius no matter where it ends up.

My biggest worry would be having enough room to set intonation. I actually have an Epi AccuBass where the E string comes pretty close to 90 degrees through the saddle, and have had no breakage. The brass saddles on that bass have a pretty large radius, 3/16" to 1/4" - I haven't actually measured them.