• From: Sioux City, IA
  • Registered: 2010-11-22
  • Posts: 71

Topic: A Golden Saddle?

As I understand it, the saddle and bridge are the key elements that transfer the energy of the vibrating strings to the sound board, and that the stiffness and density of the saddle is important to this process. As a result,  I've see adds for exotic types of saddles including fossilized walrus tusk. My question is:  Would a saddle make out of gold, say 24 karat gold, be an ideal saddle because of its density and uniformity.  And what about strings? Has any ever made strings ouf of gold or silver strings?

  • Zurf
  • Zurf
  • Blunt but well meaning moderator
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
  • Posts: 7,522

Re: A Golden Saddle?

Gold is too soft.  Silver too probably, though maybe not as small bells are made of it.  You'd want something much firmer.  The problem with metal is that if you get two different kinds of metal in contact, you can have a reaction.  That would be bad.  It's much better to have something inert. 

That said, I do have a bass with a humongous cast aluminum bridge with brass nubbins where the string goes to avoid the reaction. 

I think if you were going to go with a metal, brass would be the one to go with.  It's relatively inert, it has a consistent vibration, it's hard, and it's relatively inexpensive. 

Just some ramblings. 

Or maybe woolly mammoth femurs. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • From: Western Oregon,US
  • Registered: 2008-07-22
  • Posts: 2,498

Re: A Golden Saddle?

I'm with Zurf on this one, Gold and Silver are fairly malleable unless as an alloy with something tougher.  I did run across a guy who managed to make a bridge and nut out of Agate which seemed to have a nice tone.... which got me to thinking about glass as a possible substance once ground and cut, tempered to prevent chipping.  I know a glassblower, next time I see Bert I'll inquire.

Take Care;
Doug

"what is this quintessence of dust?"  - Shakespeare
  • From: Sioux City, IA
  • Registered: 2010-11-22
  • Posts: 71

Re: A Golden Saddle?

Thanks guys, for your responses, you helped me learn some new things. I can see why a vibrating metal string going over a metal saddle would cause some serious buzzing. An agate saddle sounds interesting, as does the glass.

Has anyone tried one of those exotic saddles like ivory, horn, or fossilized material? The claim is that they significantly enhance sings like volume and tone.

  • Zurf
  • Zurf
  • Blunt but well meaning moderator
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
  • Posts: 7,522

Re: A Golden Saddle?

Tusq and bone are what I've tried.   Each work very well.  If you are doing a DIY replacement, I recommend the Tusq because it is pre-formed in several sizes and shapes.  You can pick one the closest to your stock bridge and then just sand it down to the right height for the action you want. 

They're cheap, they're easy, and they sound much, much better than a standard plastic bridge. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • From: Sioux City, IA
  • Registered: 2010-11-22
  • Posts: 71

Re: A Golden Saddle?

Thanks for the advice Zurf!