How to Remove a Tight Fitting Saddle


Note: If you have a Taylor Guitar with an ES2 pickup, then before trying the below, you must adjust the pickup sensors behind the saddle for both saddle removal and installation. Please see the Pickup Adjustments section at Taylor Guitars ES2 Guide for more details.

Option 1

Tape your bridge area around the saddle with painter’s tape to protect the bridge from the pliers. Also, please cloths on your guitar’s top. Grasp the saddle in the center with pliers. Gently lift straight up. You may need to wiggle the saddle a bit to get it loose.

Remove tight saddle from acoustic guitar with pliers

Option 2

Only use this method if you are unable to remove your saddle with pliers as this method can damage your saddle. Tape your bridge area around your saddle, and place cloths on your guitar’s top to protect it. Use a slotted (flat head) screwdriver and place against the end of the saddle as shown in the below image.

Remove acoustic guitar saddle with leverage

Next, gently lift the saddle’s bass side upward from the bridge slot while using the opposite saddle end as a leverage point.

Remove acoustic guitar saddle

Related Topic: How To Adjust Guitar Saddle Thickness

 

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