filing the saddle on thinline pickups

45flint Posted 2004-04-21 8:49 PM (#189393) Subject: filing the saddle on thinline pickups Joined: March 2003 Posts: 555 Location: Wooster, Ohio Does anyone know why they do not recommend filing the saddle on the thinline pickups? Are they concerned that it will not be level and get good contact all along the pickup? It seems to me the risk is greater in routing given there is only so much wood to work with? Thanks Steve Paul Blanchard Posted 2004-04-21 11:02 PM (#189394 - in reply to #189393) Subject: Re: filing the saddle on thinline pickups Joined: February 2002 Posts: 1817 Location: Minden, Nebraska Interesting question.... I think the answer depends on the model. In my experience, when all of the shims have been removed from under the saddle there usually isn't much clearance to be gained from filing the saddle. There is only so far down the saddle can go before there is insufficient string clearance AND the intonation is badly out of whack. Routing the thin bit of wood under the saddle is ill advised, according to an experience Ovation tech with whom I consulted about this very thing a few years ago. So, the answer really depends on the individual guitar. If your shims are gone and you are down to very little string clearance over the bridge, a neck reset is likely what is required. Having been there many times, I really wish a simple filing could have solved my problem. Good luck with yours, and sorry I haven't been more helpful. Tony Calman Posted 2004-04-21 11:45 PM (#189395 - in reply to #189393) Subject: Re: filing the saddle on thinline pickups Joined: August 2003 Posts: 4619 Location: SoCal Too bad the 'ees at the big O are discouraged from posting. Could be good input on this one.