builders. bridge question

Randy Reeves · From: LaCrosse, Wisconsin, USA

looking at numerous bridges and saddles I have seen some saddles that are slanted and some that are straight.
anybody know the whys?

I assume it is because of the string gauge change from low to high string. but why some and not others.?

I am close to making the bridge and saddle in my lap steel project. it is an acoustic/electric. if that info helps.

intonation and compensated saddles necessary on
acoustics (and electrics).
necessary on lap steels?
discuss.

Mike D · From: Phx, Az

That's called compensation (see, it's not just for guys with red Corvettes! Wink

)
On a regular guitar the bridge is slanted farther back on the bass side because the strings are different thicknesses and (usually) slightly different heights over the frets. When you fret them it stretches the string and they go slightly sharp so when setting the bridge position overall you add a small amount to all the strings and then a little extra to the thicker, wound strings to compensate for that. The shorter the scale or higher the action the more compensation is needed.
There's more to it than that but that's the simple explanation. No need to do it on a steel.
_________________
Half-assed bottleneck and lap slide player. Full-assed Builder of resonator instruments.

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