martin hd 28v problems

[gianluigi]

anyone trying to put a piezo in to a Martin hd28v with a long type saddle glued in ?

I would like to use a highlander pu1

any suggestion welcome

[kwakatak]

Let me get this straight: somebody glued the saddle in?

 

That doesn't sound right. It should have been sanded to fit and just dropped in the bridge slot with string tension holding it down. That way you can just pull it out after the strings are removed.

[gianluigi]

No the new hd28v has got a longer saddle (10cm) to improve sustain and it's glued in by factory

[54merk]

Originally posted by kwakatak Let me get this straight: somebody glued the saddle in? That doesn't sound right. It should have been sanded to fit and just dropped in the bridge slot with string tension holding it down. That way you can just pull it out after the strings are removed.

 

Kwak,

This is right. He's talking about the old style Martin through saddle, not the relatively modern drop ins. The through saddle is a bear to remove. Here's how, if anyone wants to do it themselves. Otherwise take it to a pro.

http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Luthier/Technique/Guitar/Saddles/ThruSaddle/thrusaddle.html

[kwakatak]

Sorry - my bad.

 

That sounds like too much guitar for me to comment on anyway! I'll shaddup now and just go back to strumming on my Sears/Roebucks!

[guitarcapo]

I've removed those glued in through saddles (Harmony Sovereigns have that a lot too) by heating the saddle with a hot iron applied to the saddle top (being EXTREMELY careful not to drop the iron and let it touch the soundboard) After about 5 minutes of intense heat..you can usually pull it out with pliers.

 

Frank Ford's method works too but seems a lot more work and not without the risk of driving the saw into the soundboard if not adequately protected. The chisel might chip the slot too.

[TheToneGestapo]

I'd get k&K pickup. They requier no modification and sound way more natural than a piezo.

[Freeman Keller]

The guy that I trust for all things Martin swears by K&K - I'd follow his recommendations

 

http://www.bryankimsey.com/music/lutherie.htm