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I lost the shim of wood under my acoustic bass' saddle and I don't know what to do

Discussion in 'Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]' started by PERDZOMBIE, Jul 1, 2017.

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  1. Jul 1, 2017 #1
    PERDZOMBIE

    PERDZOMBIE

    Apr 15, 2017
    The problem is there is a lot of buzz on the frets above 19 besides the 24th and only on the E string do I need a new shim or a new saddle to accommodate the missing shim
     
  2. Jul 1, 2017 #2
    bholder

    bholder Affable Sociopath Gold Supporting Member Supporting Member

    Sep 2, 2001
    Vestal, NY
    Received a gift from Sire* (see sig)
    Yes. Making a new shim shouldn't be too hard. A new saddle that doesn't need shimming might be a better solution.
     
    Dec1975 and megafiddle like this.
  3. Jul 3, 2017 #3
    chadds

    chadds

    Mar 18, 2000
    Some techs use a piece of acoustic guitar pickguard as a shim. It cuts with scissors and you can make it the exact cutout of your saddle. An advantage is it can actually make a consistent contact on your piezo if you have one in there. It also allows you to adjust string height between seasons.
     
  4. Jul 3, 2017 #4
    megafiddle

    megafiddle

    May 25, 2011
    Shims are ok as long as they are not excessively thick. I would not go over about one forth the slot depth in thickness (e.g., 1/16" shim for a 1/4" deep slot). If the saddle bottom sits too high in the slot, the increased lever arm can crack the bridge or break the saddle.

    For action height measured at the 12th fret, a change in action height will require about twice that amount of change in saddlle height.

    I would make sure the relief is set properly first, as it will also affect the action height.

    -
     
    Dec1975 likes this.