Integrated saddle

[Tai Fu]

Ever try making a bone saddle for a guitar with integrated saddle (picture included)?

For example the Takamine G Series have them... essentially a metal clip with copper foil inside with elements under it, and a special molded plastic saddle which fits exactly into that clip. The problem is if you made a saddle that just fits into the clip, the pickup will not work (it hummed like crazy until I put the plastic stuff in).

I have not seen this "saddle type" at frets.com, guessing Frank doesn't run into inexpensive guitars like a Takamine?

[Mike Kolb]

Like any proprietary system, they're tough for repair folks to deal with. Replacement parts like the special molded saddle blanks from Takamine are not easy to come-by.

So, instead of trying to fuss with them in my shop, they get replaced with standard piezo strips and Tusq® saddles. I've amassed quite a nice little "collection" of this exact setup, primarily from replacing the Takamine versions. 

[Tai Fu]

So can you just put in a regular piezo strip without having to rip out the EQ and other components? I think the problem with the Takamine G series is that they have a split saddle. Also on some of these, the element is incased in some kind of plastic thing and therefore you'd have to replace the bridge too...

[Mike Kolb]

Most stock piezo strips use the standard 1/8" jack which plugs right-into the existing preamp & EQ, so it's pretty easy to make the swap.

The split-saddle is another animal... I've had to try to order them through authorized dealers or Kaman Music directly and either route can be a maze unto itself :)  

[Dave Boucher]

Hi Mike,

Can you recommend a replacement piezo strip, brand / model? I wrecked the stock one and have been trying to get one but I'm told they are on Backorder. I like the guitar but I'm not a Takamine fan at the moment....

Thanks,

Dave

[Mike Kolb]

Must confess that, for replacing just the piezo strip in a setup, I'll usually grab a couple of Artec-brand strips from eBay. They're inexpensive, work reasonably well and come with the 1/8th phone plug already soldered-on and ready to go.  

They're not sexy but they usually do the job without breaking the bank. 

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=Artec+piezo&_sacat=0&_o...

[Dave Boucher]

Thanks for the quick reply!! I'll give em a try!

Peace..