Guide to Acoustic Guitar Split Saddles

Although most commonly associated with Takamine Guitars or Lowden Guitars, split saddles have appeared on some models for other brands as well, including Avalon, Maton, Sobel, some Ibanez, and at least one Alvarez model that we know of, the Masterworks MD350.

Despite appearing on a number of different manufacturers’ models, there is no universal split saddle size, even for the same manufacturer, and even for models from the same series, e.g., there are currently three different split saddle sizes for the Takamine G Series, and two different sizes for the Takamine Pro Series, and none are interchangeable. 

To make things even more difficult, many of the split saddle options for sale on the internet are blanks that have the correct radius, but thickness, lengths and heights likely need some adjustment, the top needs profiling, and sides may need rounding. 

This article walks you through the steps to find the appropriate split saddle replacement for your acoustic guitar. 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, even for the same guitar model from the factory.

If you are missing either or both pieces, then you will need to take your guitar to a qualified guitar technician. Trying to determine the heights needed for new split saddles on your own will be difficult. You may not know whether the saddles needs to be adjusted, or the neck relief, or the nut slots, or a combination of those. 

Step One – Measure Current Saddle Thickness, Lengths, and Short/Tall Edge Heights

Split saddles will have a bass side piece for the four wound strings, and a treble side piece for the two plain strings. You will need to remove your current saddle pieces and measure the thickness, which is typically the same for both pieces, as well as the lengths, and the short and tall edge heights for both pieces as shown in the below image.

 

Acoustic Guitar Split Saddles

Note that the two short edge heights are unlikely to be the same. Guitar saddles are often made with the bass edge about 1.0 mm taller than the treble edge is, although this varies for each guitar. Please see our article on bass to treble edge height difference for more information. Additionally, the tall edge heights will typically differ slightly as shown in the below diagram.

We also advise that you measure your bridge saddle slot lengths and thicknesses as these can vary subtly from your saddle’s. You may need to get a slightly longer and/or thicker split saddle.

Step Two – Measure Fretboard and Saddle Radii

Your saddle and fretboard radii should match as this will result in better playability and reduced buzzing. Please note that guitar builders will sometimes use a saddle that has a radius different from the fretboard’s. We advise that you measure both your fretboard radius, and then find a split saddle with an identical radius.

Step Three – Determine Top Profile

Although it might seem as though the top profile for split saddles is non-compensated and are thus the same, differences do appear. Similar to non-compensated saddles, you will find that split saddles are typically either center line or forward line, as shown in the below images, which show split saddles from the back, or bridge pin side
view.

Split Saddle - Center Line
Split Saddle - Forward Line

While this might not seem like much of a difference, replacing a center line saddle with a forward line saddle, or vice versa, can produce a scale length difference that can affect your intonation. Additionally, with forward line saddles, you must ensure that you have the correct handedness, as right- and left-handed saddles are not interchangeable.

Step Four – Determine Edge Type(s)

Guitar saddle edges are often rounded, as shown in the below images. 

Split Saddle with Round Edges
Split Saddle - Round Edges
Split Saddle with Round Edges from Top View
Split Saddle - Round Edges - Top View

However, your split saddle might have flat edges, as in the below images. 

Split Saddle with Flat Edges
Split Saddle - Flat Edges
Split Saddle with Flat Edges - Top View
Split Saddle - Flat Edges - Top View

It’s possible that you have a mix of round and flat edges as well, particularly if your split saddle was created by making a single piece saddle, then cutting it into two pieces.

Step Five – Determine Corner Type (Optional)

Guitar saddle corners vary. Many guitarists are not concerned about saddle corners as they have no effect on tone or intonation. However, they can have a subtle effect on comfort if you rest your picking hand on or near the saddle, and can have a subtle effect on appearance. Also, because of the way split saddles are made, you may see two different corner types on the same piece. For more information, please see our article on guitar saddle corners.

Which Split Saddle Does Your Guitar Need?

Wondering which saddle size your guitar requires? Please contact us with all of the below information.

  • Guitar Year, Series, Model
  • Fretboard Radius
  • Current Saddle Lengths, Thicknesses – Must be measured with a caliper
  • Bass Side Short and Tall Edge Heights
  • Treble Side Short and Tall Edge Heights
  • Bridge Saddle Slot Lengths and Thicknesses (if different from saddle specs) 
  • Current Saddle Top Profile (Please send a picture if you are not sure which type you have)
  • Edge Type(s) – Round or Flat

We will respond within 48 hours.