Adjusting Saddle Height
Source: Guitar Bridge Repairs

Tools & Materials Required:
Marking Knife
Dremel Rotary Tool
Sanding Surface
Contact Cement
Wood Veneer Shim Stock
Hardwood Scrap Block
5/16″ Stainless Steel Bolts & Nuts
Epoxy Glue

Adjusting Saddle Height:

The adjustment of the saddle is a relatively easy procedure, but you can make it so much easier by having the right tool to do it. If you plan on only doing one of these for your personal guitar or for your friend, you may want to forgo making the jig. But, if you plan on doing several saddle adjustments or are going to make your own guitar, then the time spent on the jig will be well worth the time expended.

Saddle Height Analysis:

First of you should determine if you actually need to adjust the saddle. Saddle height is a function of action or string action and is usually combined with adjustment of the nut – down at the other end of the strings.

You should NOT adjust your saddle first and then decide if the nut needs adjustment too. If you have not already, adjust your nut to optimal string height before you attempt a saddle height adjustment.
So anyway, this article assumes that you have either adjusted your nut height already or you don’t need adjustment there.

What Is The Proper Height of the Saddle:?

Different guitars join at different frets so check which you have. Here are some clearance guidelines:

Acoustic Guitars – Factory standards (which are typically slightly high) 1st string: 3/32″ .093″ 6th string: 4/32″ .125″

Classical Guitars – Factory standards (which are typically slightly high) 1st string: 4/64″ .0625″ 6th string: 5/32″ .156″

Electric Guitars can vary all over the place, buy are typically slightly lower than the acoustic guitar listed above.

Using the Power Of Two

Remember if you need to adjust your string height down 1/32″ at the bass and treble sides (measured at the 12th fret), keep in mind that this measurement has to be doubled to arrive at the proper saddle adjustment height.

Using The Saddle Adjustment Jig:

I came up this this jig many years ago. I was looking for something that guaranteed me consistent results, while at the same time was quick and easy. It allows you to hold the saddle at any angle and get a perfectly smooth bottom on your saddle, which is essential for optimal sound production.

How to Use It:
Simply mark out your saddle with a marker knife on the bottom of the saddle. Then align the mark with the bottom of the jig and either cement it in or shim it with veneer.

Tighten it down securely and take it over to the Surface Sander and lightly sand the saddle, using an angular approach of about 30 degrees. Check your work often and you will feel when your have arrived at the proper height as the jig itself will have a whisker of wood removed from it.

Ultimate Guitar Repair Tip:
A quick and dirty way to trim a saddle is to carefully mark it as above and then grip it in a steel vice, being careful to align your mark with the top jaws of the vice. Then simply sand the bottom of the saddle with either a fine file or a sanding stick until it is level with the surface of the vice jaws – voila!

Ultimate Guitar Repair Tip 2:
OK ready for quick and dirty #2? Still use the Saddle Height Adjustment Jig, this time rather than hand sanding it, run it through the Drum Sander. This is how I do all of my saddle height adjustments now. Quick, easy and accurate.

Look for the Saddle Adjustment Jig article coming shortly. I will have free plans available for that too in our Plan Shop section.

Tags: adjusting saddle height, bridge repairs, Guitar Bridge Repairs, how to adjust your guitar saddle, saddle repairs

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