Gibson Advanced Jumbo with a strange bundle of saddle slot problems

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This Gibson Advanced Jumbo has a strange bundle of saddle slot problems that make using an undersaddle pickup very difficult to install.

Obviously the 1/8" saddle slot matches the taper of the top of the bridge, but it is foolish to route the saddle slot to match the slanted top of the bridge (even if it is "authentic") as it leads to all these problems shown here. Yes you can use a slated jig to route a pickup pocket....but why bother with that?

So with the main 1/8" slot being slanted, you get a pickup pocket that when routed even with the top (the usual way) the pocket is (in this case) 1/32" deep at the treble end and 1/8" deep at the bass end, thus making an under saddle pickup not usable as the saddle wouldn't be touching the pickup on the bas side. You could still make this work with a wedge to lift the 1/8" deep slot on the bass side up so it contacts the saddle- BUT WHY!- just cut the main slot straight and the pocket straight.

In short, all these problems unnecessarily start with the slanted main saddle slot. They can all be fixed (with pickup pocket routing jig that matches the slant of the main 1/8" saddle slot), but if you do it correct from the start there is nothing that needs fixing.

Some my wonder why I didn't make a new bridge or fill the existing slot and route a new straight one. no need for this. the answer is that neither are needed in this particular case. If the customer wanted to put in a new under saddle pickup, i would have filled the old 1/8" slot and re routed it straight but he likes K&K pickups so it didn't need to be done.
Also, that can be easily done anytime in future if needed.
New bridge was never needed and why risk damaging the finish when it ain't needed.

Also, unless the neck/fingerboard are matched to that you will have a oddly shaped saddle (itself not a huge problem but a saddle that is most even in height will give the best (most even) transfer of string noise to the under saddle pickup. It's probably not a real world issue (i've never tested it) but it is something.

Products used

~ I never promote products I don't personally use or believe the quality therein.
This video is not sponsored and may contain product affiliate links which means if you buy something Beau will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

#beauhannamguitars #beauhannam

~ Luthier of luxury heirloom quality Guitars and Ukuleles ~

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My favorite of your posts are watching you tackle some crazy, oddball problems. Thanks!

BobSperber

I would have been jumping up and down screaming expletives in my video. Good job unraveling the cluster fork that is the previous pickup installation.

Gitdoc

While you were talking about sticking sandpaper on plywood or aluminum I shot over to get a link for the saddle slot files only to see them in your video... :) Shudda known.

olgoat

Thanks so much for sharing. The tools review is good to. I like to buy needed rather than wanted tools you just made it easier.

nathancourtney

Nice work! I'd love to see a video from you on your neck joint process or even just a discussion on the topic. Thanks!

natejohnson

I've had a few AJs over the years and recently was able to get my hands on two of them, both of which had this angled bridge. When I did some research, I learned Gibson "recreated" the slanted bridge based on the original design from the '30s. Doesn't make it any less frustrating to deal with, but know it was intentional. I noticed it when attempting to install a Fishman Rare Earth Blend. Because of the slanted bridge and the neck angle, the treble strings were resting on the pickup! That sent me down the rabbit hole to figure out why the heck it was setup that way.

daveowens

Hot hide glue, not peta approved! 🤘🏻sweet video

bretonguitar

Thanks Beau, I really like those nut & saddle files, I was going to buy the nut seating file first & Now after seeing you explain & use them I’m in. 👍👍🎸🎹🎼👨🏻‍🦯

scaira

Hi Beau, I’m probably testing your patience but I have another question... I am making the bridge for my 3rd endeavor... my first two have bridges that are 7” wide by 1/4” thick... the bridge I’m making is 6-3/4” wide by 5/16” thick... my question is the 1/4” difference in width going to be a problem - like not enough surface area for gluing ..or

mikechallgrenguitars

Very nice and neat job ! wonder why Gibson choose such a strange tilted bridge ! I would like to order a recrowning file but there's such a Jungle out there it's hard to figure out what to buy (I would like to recrown an Old Harmony Rocket sibe frets are getting worned out) Any advices ?

jipes

Sir my guitar saddle space in bridge is across 9cm and i buy saddle on amazon it's 7.7 cm Please help me sir
How can i fit the saddle in guitar bridge.

balasadafule

Hi Beau, my Takamine has a split saddle with a short saddle for the B and E strings and a longer one for the rest. What do you think of that concept?

Peter_Jenner