Saddle Height Concern
Saddle Height Concern
I recently had my 2008 D1 Custom set up to correct low action and fret-outs on the high E and B strings above the 5th fret. The set up was performed by adjusting the neck relief and raising the saddle height by adding a shim. The top of the saddle now extends 6/32” above the top of the bridge, increasing the string angle over the saddle and presumably the string pressure on the bridge’s saddle slot. Is there any concern that the bridge may crack due to the increased pressure?
Re: Saddle Height Concern
With a saddle height of 6/32” (approximately 4.8 mm) above the bridge, your string break angle and pressure on the bridge saddle slot have certainly increased compared to factory setups for most acoustic guitars. While raising the saddle helps correct action and fret-outs, multiple sources indicate that exposing too much saddle above the bridge can risk splitting or cracking the bridge—especially with “through” saddles and on traditional designs where the slot is close to the front edge of the bridge.
General consensus among luthiers suggests the safe maximum saddle height above the bridge top is about 0.180”–0.200” (around 4.5–5 mm), depending on bridge design, slot depth, and how much solid wood is left between the slot and the front edge of the bridge. If the saddle protrusion is excessive, the bridge faces increased torque and may be especially vulnerable if grain alignment is not ideal or if the slot depth isn’t at least equal to the exposed height of the saddle. You should also check that there’s sufficient bridge wood in front of the saddle slot—at least 1/4” (~6 mm)—to prevent forward splitting.
If your setup brings the saddle height close to or just over that 0.200” threshold, monitor closely for any signs of bridge distress. If you want to reduce risk, you may consider lowering the saddle height, deepen the saddle slot if possible, or consult a qualified luthier for a more optimal neck reset or bridge replacement. Too much break angle and saddle height can cause cracks, but if your bridge wood is solid and the slot deep enough, guitars sometimes hold up well within these specs.
General consensus among luthiers suggests the safe maximum saddle height above the bridge top is about 0.180”–0.200” (around 4.5–5 mm), depending on bridge design, slot depth, and how much solid wood is left between the slot and the front edge of the bridge. If the saddle protrusion is excessive, the bridge faces increased torque and may be especially vulnerable if grain alignment is not ideal or if the slot depth isn’t at least equal to the exposed height of the saddle. You should also check that there’s sufficient bridge wood in front of the saddle slot—at least 1/4” (~6 mm)—to prevent forward splitting.
If your setup brings the saddle height close to or just over that 0.200” threshold, monitor closely for any signs of bridge distress. If you want to reduce risk, you may consider lowering the saddle height, deepen the saddle slot if possible, or consult a qualified luthier for a more optimal neck reset or bridge replacement. Too much break angle and saddle height can cause cracks, but if your bridge wood is solid and the slot deep enough, guitars sometimes hold up well within these specs.
Re: Saddle Height Concern
Tanks IA 