Are All Acoustic Guitar Saddles the Same Size?

Acoustic guitar saddles are not the same size, which makes finding the right one for your guitar difficult. Guitar saddle sizes and compensation patterns differ significantly, not only for each brand, but you may also find that some guitar brands have different saddle types for different production years, models, or series. For example, Taylor Guitars uses a number of different saddle sizes. Also, each guitar is slightly different, even from the factory, resulting in different saddle sizes for each individual guitar. Read further to find the right saddle size for your guitar.

Measure First

In selecting a saddle, you must first collect six measurements – length, thickness, height, bass to treble height difference, top radius, and string spacing at the bridge. You also need to ensure that you have the correct compensation pattern and that it will properly align with your string spacing at the bridge. If not, you may have intonation problems.

Each Guitar is Different

Additionally, even though you might find the correct saddle size and pattern, each guitar is slightly different, and so a new bone saddle will likely need adjustments. Even fresh from the factory, no two guitars are exactly alike. You’ll find subtle differences in neck angle, neck relief, and final set up specs, which result in differing saddle specs once installed. Your guitar may have been adjusted for playing style preferences as well. 

The saddle sizes that we offer are common starting points, not factory set heights that require no adjustment. Each guitar will have a slightly different neck angle, and so although the factory might set the twelfth fret action at a specified height, this can be achieved through a combination of adjusting the neck relief, nut slot height, or saddle height, resulting in different saddle sizes for different guitars.

Please see our saddle adjustments tips section for tips. Most of our customers report that they spend about 30 minutes to an hour making fine adjustments with the included sandpaper.

We Can Help

We provide a large number of bone saddles and may have one for your steel string acoustic guitar. Please visit our Acoustic Guitar Saddle Size Chart to view the various saddle types. If you don’t see the correct size for your guitar, please contact us and we can let you know whether we have another saddle that might work, or can refer you to another resource.

Disclaimer: The guitar technical information on this site is provided for general information and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional guitar repair advice. The use or reliance of any information contained within this site is solely at your own risk. Always take personal safety precautions, including the use of a dust mask, ear protection, and eye protection.