Question about filing out a string saddle

jcburn · #1 06-20-2011, 04:50 AM

Hello to all luthiers - and please if my question is in the wrong area I am happy for it to be moved.
I own an 80's Aria Pro II Integra bass with typical Aria SB style bridge. A unique bridge without any after market replacement.
What is happening at the moment is my E string is sounding dull compared to all the other strings. I am certain its the E string bridge saddle. It seems to be a little "chewed" out. The other strings only have a very thin slot filed that the string sits on, however the strings seem quite stable and sound nice and punchy. The E is a little deeper but has worn a bit.
In lieu of being able to buy new saddles I am looking at getting someone to fabricate a new saddle made from brass, but before I do this would it improve the sound by filing the current saddle out a little. It will make the string sit a little lower than the rest but if I do this smoothly would this be a possible bandaid or would it make the current problem worse?
I hope this makes sense, thanks in advance.

crazytooguy · #2 06-25-2011, 08:44 AM

Well, it's possible that slotting the saddle will help, but it may be something else. As a practice, I slot all my bridge saddles with the appropriate nut file, matching the diameter of each string. Like a nut, I aim for a slot that is slightly less than half the string's diameter. This creates a nice solid connection with the bridge saddle. What size E string are you using? It can be hard to find a matching nut file in the larger diameters, and nut files can get pricey. Once the saddles are all slotted properly, you will of course need to readjust the saddle height to get your preferred action.

Also, have you tried another (newer or brand new) E string? It may simply be a dud string.

slaphappychappy · #3 06-25-2011, 05:40 PM

i did it to a bass a while ago. it worked. But I'm a bit of a back yard macgyver and used the tools I had on offer. Plus the saddles I used were spare ones on case I stuffed it.
I used a small square file on the corners so it cut a v shape in each one. It was as rough as guts, but it served its purpose very well. My issue was that the neck pocket was too deep and I couldnt get the action to where I wanted it. It gave me about another 4 ml of adjustment and the sustain was fine.
But, as mentioned, a bit like my playing, it was rough.