What is wrong with this saddle? (Taylor GS Mini)

[Arthur Sweeney]

nut.jpg

Hello,

I am considering buying a used Taylor GS Mini mahogany.

The seller sent me many photos, and they look good, but

this one does not look right to me. Why are there deep

cuts in the saddle for some of the strings?

[Frank Ford]

It was made that way, with "compensated" string lengths to provide better intonation.  Here's a bit more on the subject:

http://www.frets.com/FretsPages/General/Glossary/Comp/comp.html

[Paul Verticchio]

Hi Arthur.

It doesn't appear to be hack induced. To me it looks like normal wear. It wouldn't be a cause for concern to me. 

Many players & buyers are unaware that the saddles & nuts on acoustics are considered an 'expendable' and need reconditioning or replacement depending on how quickly they wear. I change the nuts and saddles on my Taylor about once every 18 months as I'm a kinda heavy handed [passionate] player. For others, they may last for several years.

If it's a concern to you, a pre compensated drop in replacement saddle will run about $10-15. The job of doing it is a great Guitar Repair 101 project.

Hope this info was helpful :)

[Mark McLean]

Yep, nothing much wrong there.  All Taylor saddles are made from a synthetic material, Tusq, and they all have that compensation for the B string.  Lots of saddles get a bit nicked and cut by strings, over time.  Like Paul said - just replace it.  You can order a new one from Taylor if you want, or any repair person can replace it for you.  After strings, this is about the most disposable and replaceable component of a guitar

[Arthur Sweeney]

OK

I was worried that the person may have intentionally cut-into the saddle for 2 strings that

maybe sat too high, perhaps compensating for some defect in the frets or bridge.

[Mark Fogleman]

Check the intonation.  If it's out get a replacement saddle from Taylor and mark the height of the original on it.  Tape a sheet of 100 grit sandpaper to a flat surface (kitchen countertop will work). Place a  ~4X2X0.75 inch block of plywood with squared sides with its wide side flat on the sandpaper.  Hold the replacement saddle upright and tight against the 1/2"side and sand both together back and forth.  This keeps the bottom edge of the saddle 90 deg. to the sandpaper and assures a flat and square bottom. Sand until it matches the original's height. 

[Mark Fogleman]

 "tight against the 1/2"side" should be "tight against the 3/4" side." 

[Arthur Sweeney]

Hi, I am not referring to the compensation, I am referring to the deep cuts/grooves that some of the strings are sitting in.

[Hesh Breakstone]

Strings wear grooves in saddles over time and with use.  Not unusual and often not a problem although they can be at times if they get too deep.  When the grooves get too deep then can "pinch" the string and deaden the resulting tone/sound.

The fix is super easy if the grooves are an issue and all it takes is a small file, a comfortable chair, good lighting, some Blind Faith on the stereo... and recrowning the file much like we would dress frets working to the level of the groves and then recrowning.  This can lower the action if one is not careful but if one only goes to the depth of the grooves the action will remain the same.  It's also an "opportunity" to make slight intonation adjustments as needed and recorded earlier before the saddle work by moving the break points on the saddle forward or aft.

[Ian Pender]

Tusq is far softer than none. The strings wear into it very quickly.
As long as it's not too severe, and doesn't cause buzzing, I wouldn't worry about it.