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Hey all. I want to get an ebony bridge saddle for my L5 CES that came with a tune o matic. I'm sure the people here can recommend a good place to get one.
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01-20-2023 06:59 PM
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You know a good luthier? Think about having them make you a compensated bridge saddle so you can have perfect intonation. Most wooden saddles don't have this and tuning can be off. You get a luthier to do this for you and you'll have the best of both worlds.
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Originally Posted by Jimmy blue note
Another possibility is buying an existing one and try to cope with it. That want break the bank. They pop up every now and then.
I do not know where you live, but there is a cheapo one offered at Zikinf, France. It only costs 8 Euro. Shipping will be more expensive. But, it may be worth to give it a try... measure your post spacing first !
Barre de chevalet de guitare Jazz en ebene d’occasion
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Originally Posted by omphalopsychos
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I have managed to find a couple of Johnny Smith bridges/saddles which I use on my L5’s. I prefer to use that more simple/curved style because Gibson actually used that type of saddle on L5’s and Super 400’s for several years. I always feel that a fully compensated ebony saddle doesn’t look right on an L5 because Gibson never actually made their ebony saddles that way (although their rosewood saddles were fully compensated). Respected luthiers, including D’Angelico, D’Aquisto, Benedetto and others were content to use simple curved saddles rather than the fully compensated ones, so I’m not convinced it makes a lot of difference in terms of intonation. Original Johnny Smith bridges and saddles seem to be pretty expensive these days though. If all you need is the saddle, it’s a very simple design which I’m sure would be easy enough for a skilled luthier to replicate.
Keith
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There is one listed on eBay right now. The guy claims it is an original Gibson saddle and from the pictures, it does look right to me. Gibson used those little brass bushings and there is one in this saddle (the other one is missing though). The seller says it is rosewood, but I’m not convinced it is. I have ebony ones that are a little light in color and show some grain like this one. Either way, it is dark enough that I think it would look right on an L5 base.
Keith
Vintage Gibson Archtop Guitar Wood Saddle NOS | eBay
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Keith that one would be perfect if not for the missing bushing. Anyone know where I might find the right bushing? Google search is not turning up any results but my keywords might be off.
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Finding a Gibson bushing will not be easy and finding a genuine Gibson archtop bridge saddle in rosewood or Ebony will be expensive.
I would contact a bunch of archtop builders and see if one will make you what you need. I am sure it can be accomplished.
Compensated vs. non-compensated? That debate has been going on for decades. Having used both, my preference is whichever one is on my guitar. Neither will intonate as well as a TOM, but either will (IMO) deliver better tone. For me, the imperfect intonation has never been a bother.
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Originally Posted by omphalopsychos
Keith
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I make them and have for others on the forum. I use the continuous gentle curve that gives pretty good intonation. Those that claim they need a tunomatic have better ears than me and I think they don't understand intonation is all over the fretboard not just the 12th fret. I have quite nice black ebony that has been sitting around the shop for at least 20 years. Not as cheap as other sources but should work. It won't look exactly like a Gibson just the typical saddle. Bushing not neccessary. I made this one for my 2005 Super 400.
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If I needed one, I would get it from Deacon Mark. His saddle looks great.
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I also suggest you use Deacon Mark.
BigMike
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Originally Posted by floatingpickup
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Originally Posted by wintermoon
Keith
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Originally Posted by deacon Mark;[URL="tel:1243866"
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I also recommend Deacon Mark. He made one for me last year. I think i posted a pic of it on here
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Another option: see if the saddle used on The Loar archtops is to your liking. They're micro-intonated (for a wound G string) and a lot more compact that many of the aftermarket equivalents. This PG-250 can be ordered through Loar dealers in the US - I got a quote for about $30 from Elderly last year.
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We do miss Matt Cushman here. I hope he’s doing okay. Anyone heard from Matt since he stopped building?
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Originally Posted by 2bornot2bop
From Bar Chords to Bebop
Today, 02:33 PM in Improvisation