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Joined:
June 2007
Posts: 100
Location: Delaware | The saddle on my AA-21 has worn low on the 2nd string and it buzzes no matter where I fret the string. I can make a new one from bone but am wondering if there might be a supplier that sells Ovation saddles? Also can anyone tell me what the fingerboard radius is on the AA-21? |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4081
Location: Utah | I recently installed a Tusq fully compensated saddle in my Ovation acoustic. You can buy a bone saddle or a Tusq saddle from any number of suppliers. Some saddles have a compensated B string, some have each string compensated, and some are non-compensated. I'd say go at least with the compensated B string, if not fully compensated. It should help intonation.
Measure the saddle you already have and order whatever is closest. Mine is a hair less than 1/8" thick, so I had to lightly sand a 1/8" saddle to fit. I also had to cut a small amount off of each end.
Another option for you is to shim your current saddle up and then take down the height of the other 5 strings. But if it were me I'd just install a new saddle.
Guitarcenter.com sells the fully compensated Tusq saddle. I did not have to adjust the radius, but I did have to sand down the base to get the string height needed. http://www.guitarcenter.com/Graph-Tech-TUSQ-Fully-Compensated-Saddl...
I believe the fretboard radius is 12", but don't bet much money on that until someone more knowledgeable weighs in. |
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Joined:
June 2007
Posts: 100
Location: Delaware | FlySic - thanks very much. Yeah I would go for the fully compensated saddle for sure. I've used Tusq before - they work fine. Saddle in AA-21 appears to be fully 1/8" thick by my measurement and also seems exactly 3" long - this is my concern with the tusq saddles - most of them are not quite 3" long. I have seen the fully compensated 1/8" versions but I think they are 2 7/8 long? I'll check the link you included. Thanks again. |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4081
Location: Utah | The original saddle slot in mine is .120" thick, just enough below 1/8" to require slight sanding.
Check out the manufacturer's website http://www.graphtech.com/products.html?SubCategoryID=1 . It looks like the saddle I got was 2 7/8". Is the length that critical? I don't think it will move under the strings. Bone blanks are probably easily available that would be that long, but I really dislike the smell of bone dust. |
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Joined:
June 2007
Posts: 100
Location: Delaware | Yes I understand. I prefer saddle to fill the slot and not leave ends empty. Have used Tusq before and they always seem a little short. Not a biggie for sound but if I'm going to the trouble to replace one that fits perfectly I want the new one to fit perfectly also. I am aware of the countless suppliers and makers of nuts and saddles on the web - I was only wondering if any of your Ovation gurus might know of a supplier that specializes in Ovation saddles. No biggie I can make my own if need be. Thanks again. |
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Ovation Saddles