Notes on Ibanez® Acoustic Guitar Saddles
Finding the correct saddle for an Ibanez acoustic guitar is quite difficult as there are literally over 100 saddle part numbers, some of which are no longer made. In this article, we provide information on some specific Ibanez saddle part numbers. We advise that you read our Guide to Ibanez Saddles before reviewing this article.
Ibanez 5S724L401R-B
A somewhat common Ibanez saddle that is difficult to find and replace is saddle part number 5S724L401R-B, as well as its left-handed counterpart 5S724H401L-B. These saddles appeared on a number of models made in the late 2010s.
At first glance, this might appear to be a fairly easy saddle to replace, but note that it’s 4 mm thick, whereas the vast majority of saddles on the market are under 3.2 mm thick. Although that 0.8 mm might not seem like much, your saddle will lean forward and cause a number of problems. Please see our article on How Tight Should an Acoustic Guitar Saddle Be for more information.
As such, you will either need to find an Ibanez dealer who will order one for you, or have a custom saddle made. We can make this saddle type, but it’s dependent on whether or not we currently have saddle blanks of the appropriate size in stock – contact us to check.
To assist those looking to have one of these saddles made, we have provided the below information.
First, the saddle compensation pattern is forward GDA wave compensated – please see our Guide to Wave Compensated Saddles for more information.
Below are the specs for the factory saddle part if ordered from Ibanez, but please note that your guitar’s original saddle likely has a lower height and/or different bass/treble edge height difference. It is common for factory techs to adjust the saddle height since each guitar will have a different neck angle, neck relief, slot height, and fret height, which affect saddle height.
- Length: 72 mm
- Max Height: 11.4 mm
- Bass/Treble Edge Height Difference: 1.5 mm
- Thickness: 4 mm
- Radius: 400 mm
- Material: Bone
Ibanez Saddle 5S743M201R-PIV
Starting in 2018, Ibanez used 5S743M201R-PIV on a large number of models, along with its left-handed counterpart 5S743M201L-PIV. Similar to the saddle mentioned earlier, at first glance this might seem like an easy saddle to replace. However, note that it has a 250 mm radius, which is extremely rare among guitar saddles.
Again, you will either need to find an Ibanez dealer who will order one for you, or have a custom saddle made. We can make this saddle type, but it’s dependent on whether or not we currently have saddle blanks of the appropriate size in stock – contact us to check.
Note: Ensure that you do not inadvertently get the 400 mm radius version of this saddle, 5S743M401R-PIV.
To assist those looking to have a 5S743M201R-PIV saddle made, we have provided the below information.
First, the saddle compensation pattern is slanted bass wave compensated.
Below are the specs for the factory saddle part if obtained from Ibanez, but please note that your guitar’s original saddle likely has a lower height and/or different bass/treble edge height difference. Factory technicians often adjust the saddle height since each guitar will have a different neck angle, neck relief, slot height, and fret height.
- Length: 74 mm
- Max Height: 11 mm
- Bass/Treble Edge Height Difference: 1.1 mm
- Thickness: 3 mm
- Radius: 250 mm
- Material: PPS
Ibanez Saddle 5ASD18F
From around 2003 to 2012, Ibanez used saddle part number 5ASD18F on hundreds of different acoustic guitar models. Unfortunately, this saddle part is discontinued, and finding a replacement is extremely difficult. We do not currently make this saddle type and do not know of any aftermarket options. As such, you will likely need to have a custom saddle made, but finding a company willing and properly able to do this will also be difficult.
To assist those looking to have one of these saddles made, we have provided the below information.
First, the saddle compensation pattern is unique. It is essentially the opposite of a forward line non-compensated saddle plus an overhanging B compensation. The overhanging B presents a distinct problem for making a saddle as you must start with a much thicker blank, then remove significant material.
Below are the specs for the factory saddle part if obtained from Ibanez, but please note that your guitar’s original saddle likely has a lower height and/or different bass/treble edge height difference. Factory technicians often adjust the saddle height since each guitar will have a different neck angle, neck relief, slot height, and fret height.
- Length: 80 mm
- Max Height: 12.9 mm
- Bass/Treble Edge Height Difference: 1.6 mm
- Thickness: 3 mm
- B Overhang: Extends 0.9 mm off the back side of the saddle toward the bridge pins
- Radius: 300 mm
- Material: Ivorex II
You might be tempted to use a nylon string guitar saddle as a replacement for the 5ASD18F saddle. Nylon string saddles are often 80 mm long and 3.0 mm thick. However, please note that nylon string saddles typically have either a flat top radius or a relatively flat top radius, whereas the 5ASD18F has a rather curved 300 mm (11.81 inches) top radius. Additionally, nylon string saddles will rarely be as tall, and will have different compensation patterns.
Which Saddle Does Your Ibanez Need?
Still wondering which saddle size your Ibanez steel-string acoustic requires? Please contact us with all of the below information.
- Guitar Serial Number, Production Month/Year, Series, Model
- Current Saddle Length, Maximum Height, Thickness – Must be measured with a caliper
- Bass to Treble Edge Height Difference
- Bridge Saddle Slot Length, Thickness (if different from saddle specs) – Must be meausured with a caliper
- String Spacing at the Bridge
- Current Saddle Compensation Pattern (Please send a picture if you are not sure which type you have)
We will respond within 48 hours.