• Zurf
  • Zurf
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
  • Posts: 7,522

Topic: Tusq saddle

Well, after playing Topdown's graphite wonder-guitar all evening, I wanted to spruce up the sound on my inexpensive Yamaha.  It doesn't even have a solid top, but it's the guitar I have and I like the way it feels if the sound isn't all too great.  So I picked up a set of Elixir nanoweb strings (12's) and a Tusq saddle.  I was going to get bone, but the Tusq saddle was already shaped and only $1 more.  For $1, I saved myself a lot of carving and sanding.  While I was at it, I lowered the action just a little.  The change in sound is remarkable.  The guitar is much, much brighter than what just changing strings would do.  I've used nanowebs on this guitar before, so I have a baseline for the sound. 

It didn't do much for my lows, which is what I wanted, but the mids and highs are much, much brighter and strumming is downright pretty.  Not bad for a $100 guitar! 

What really surprised me is how easy it was to do.  If anyone is considering taking this jump, I'd recommend going ahead and doing it.  Even at a local guitar shop, the Tusq bridge was only $11.  Maybe next time I'll change the nut too. 

- 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: NY
  • Registered: 2009-08-26
  • Posts: 4,320

Re: Tusq saddle

Thanks for the review Zurf.  I've been wondering about the Tusq saddles because I'm a little nervous about having to do all the shaping with bone.  I will keep an eye out next time I'm in the guitar shops to see if there's any pre-made saddles that fit my dread for sure now!

Art and beauty are in the eyes of the beholder.
What constitutes excellent music is in the ears of the listener.

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  • Registered: 2007-03-24
  • Posts: 1,108

Re: Tusq saddle

I think the nut will be a significant change as well...

I used to be disgusted; now I try to be amused.
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  • Zurf
  • Zurf
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Re: Tusq saddle

geoaguiar wrote:

I think the nut will be a significant change as well...

I think I'm going to have the nut replaced when I get a full setup on the guitar.  I want the action lowered fairly significantly, so I'd like a real honest-to-goodness tech do that.  The guy at my local shop has worked on my electric a couple times and he's always prompt and does good work for a fair price.  Not much more I can ask for than that. 

- 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: Frederick, MD
  • Registered: 2006-12-28
  • Posts: 851

Re: Tusq saddle

Suh-WEET!! I will have to pick up one of those saddles for my guitar and see how it changes the sound.


=]
Dm

"Talent instantly recognizes genius,
but mediocrity knows nothing more than itself."

-Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle

Detman101's Website

  • Zurf
  • Zurf
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
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Re: Tusq saddle

Damien - Just drop by and play mine.  You've got the same guitar, after all...

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: Frederick, MD
  • Registered: 2006-12-28
  • Posts: 851

Re: Tusq saddle

Zurf wrote:

Damien - Just drop by and play mine.  You've got the same guitar, after all...

Hey yeah! You're right! I've wanted to come out and jam with you this year anyway.
My lab space is still available if the Chordie Crew wanted to jam one saturday.

I may be passing my Yamaha along to another person (freebie) if I can find an acoustic with a neck as thick as my electric. (TMNF-FAT)

Of course, all of this rotates on if the wife allows me to buy it...lol.

=]
Dm

"Talent instantly recognizes genius,
but mediocrity knows nothing more than itself."

-Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle

Detman101's Website