Hmmnn...can't remove saddle from bridge!!

[flori]

.......I had put aside today to shave a 32th or so of the saddle off my new Dean and change to a lighter guage of string (.011) to save some wear and tear on my feeble hands!

 

But I rather hoped the saddle might just pop out of its slot!

 

 

 

 

No!

 

Nothing is ever THAT simple!

 

I tried gripping it with pliers but because of the rounded top I couldn't get enough purchase.

I tried 'digging' each end of the saddle out of the slot with a very fine/sharp jewellers screwdriver but to no avail, and I didn't want to really GO at it for fear of damage.

 

Am I missing a trick here?

 

Any thoughts?

 

 

 

The action is only very slightly high - and the new strings have helped a bit - but I would have liked to tweak the saddle as well!

 

[Freeman Keller]

Most saddles just pull out - usually pliers or a pair of vise grips are enough. A few (like "long" Martins) are glued in but I can't see any reason your Dean would be. The rule of thumb that I have heard when cutting a new saddle is that it should be just tight enough that you can pick the guitar up with it using a pair of pliers, but a little yank will pull it right out.

[flori]

Thanks for the quick reply, Freeman.

 

By 'vise grip' I guess you mean what we Brits call 'Mole-Grips' ...I've no idea why!

 

I do have a pair ...would have to be careful not to set the grip tension to 'crush' !!!!

 

I think I'll just put up with it 'til the next string change?

 

(rubs sore hands vigourously )

 

flori

[iteleu]

I use a pair of sidecuts.You can get a better grip in the saddle and kind of rock it up on one side.Just dont squeze em too hard....Use a old rag to protect the bridge..I just hope yours isn't glued in..that ain't no fun....You should also try to tighten the truss rod a little.It will take some of the relief off the neck to adjust for the lower string tension of your lighter strings.And the slight backbow may lower the action to your satisfaction...

[flori]

Thanks Iteleu,

 

I was thinking-maybe a pair of really 'grippy' side-cutters might give me the purchase I need?

 

I don't have any...........

 

but they would also be useful for trimming the strings after a change?

I'll look out for a pair when I next visit a DIY emporium!

 

Damn these feeble hands!

 

flori

[DeepEnd]

I had a similar problem on our daughter's old Epi. The folks hereabouts were quite helpful and I still remember their advice. I got the saddle out of her guitar by pulling up on each end alternately and "rocking" it out. Needle nose pliers might give a better grip. If that doesn't work, use a hair dryer and warm the bridge and saddle. This will soften any glue that might be there and also cause the slot to expand. Let us know if you have any luck. In a pinch, take it to a competent shop and have them pull the saddle for you. Then tell them to leave it out. A little sanding will make it looser in the slot so you can remove it next time. For that matter, they'll probably agree to do the work for you if you ask and it probably won't cost much. This might be a good time to replace the saddle.