Gobson J-45 ADJ slot angle

[ianderson]

I've got a Gobson J-45 ADJ that I'm to replace the original ADJ bridge. While looking at the original

 bridge that came to me already off the guitar I've noticed the saddle slot angle to be greater than what I'm used to on Martin guitars - is this due to the wide Rosewood bridge that is not compensated? Would you recommend useing the slot angle of the original, or angle the slot similar to a Martin because the new bone saddle will be narrower and compensated?

 

Your advise is greatly appreciated!

 

[Paul Breen]

If you are keeping the stock lift mechanism and not converting to a new bridge with a fixed saddle height you will have to keep the same angle. Have you looked under the hood yet? These things are contraptions, changing the angle would be way too much work to fill and re-slot back through the top and bridge plate. You would also have to reconfigure the lift board saddle slot with the same angle.

[ianderson]

Paul – Thanks for the response. Thus far the bridge is off and a replacement made (non-adjustable) that is a little taller, otherwise the saddle would have protruded to much. All the metal bits have been removed and the holes have been filled. The original large 3-ply bridge plate has been replaced with a 1-piece maple plate that is slightly smaller. All that’s left is to slot the bridge and make the saddle.

[nathan clark]

Ian,

Stew Mac sells a tool that works very well for determining the saddle location:

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Special_tools_for_Bridges/The_Int...

I use it myself and consider the investment a worthwhile one.

[STGuitarworks]

I would suggest a 'false' saddle, with the guitar nicely set-up to determine the intonation points, then go ahead and re-route the slot to accomodate those points. More work, better results.