Martin Bridge Replacement - Correcting Intonation on an acoustic guitar and it's saddles position

Warranty Repair Center for:
C.F. Martin, Taylor, Fender

Related Products:

Martin Bridge Pin Set

Boxwood Bridge Pins

Tusq Bridge Pins

Bridge Replacement for Intonation Correction

This articles describes another common repair I perform...correction of intonation problems caused by inaccurate placement of the original bridge or saddle.

Correct saddle placement is essential if an instrument is ever going to play in tune and be properly intonated. In most cases, saddles can be reshaped to improve intonation or, the saddles slot can be filled and moved to the proper location in the bridge to correct a slight offset.

However, when the correct placement of the saddle is outside our boundaries of adjustment (saddle would end up too close to the front edge or bridge pins), the repair is more involved and likely to require a replacement bridge to correct.

As is the case with some Martin guitars manufactured in the 70's, the saddle/bridge is likely to be too close to the end of the fingerboard causing sharp intonation, a problem attributed to wear and tear on older jigs used in production. I have however had to move bridges closer (not further away) to improve intonation, go figure.

After removing the original bridge, the bridge pin holes thru the top and bridge plate must be plugged as new ones will be drilled.

Holes Are Plugged

In order to cover the "footprint" of the original bridge and avoid making a gargantuous replacement, a handmade bridge is made which alters the position of the bridge pin holes and saddle slot. We can't just move the saddles slot back if doing so would place it right smack dab on top of the bridge pin holes. And if one were to simply move the entire bridge back, bare unfinished top would create an eyesore and look anything but professional (ew, Jerry's been there). There have been cases where an oversized bridge must be made to allow for the necessary adjustment but this is less common.
To put it simply...everything is shifted slightly closer to the belly side of the bridge (back). The bridge pin holes are shifted to avoid placing the saddle terribly close to them and creating other problems.

Replica Bridge

The above picture shows the final outcome...doesn't look too different does it? Well, that's my goal. Most of my customers know by now that I'm not going to be happy with some eyesore, dead ringer replacement. If scrutinized beside a factory bridge you will see that the difference.

Factory Bridge vs. My Replica

Pictured above is another example, on this particular instrument you may actually pick up on the fact that the pickguard and bridge are touching... that's certainly enough to make one suspicious.
On the factory replacement, unpolished bridge above you may notice that the factory places their bridge pin holes very near to the center line of the bridge. That layout/design means I can actually make a new bridge whereby I move the pins and saddle back without making a terribly noticeable cosmetic change, that is...in most cases.

And in all fairness, before I get emails asking how could Martin ever do such a thing...Martin is not the only manufacturer to ever set a bridge in the wrong position, I am merely using them in this example.I have seen some other manufactured instruments that were so far from correct that relocation of the bridge would necessitate top refinishing.

Cost

In most cases Martin's lifetime warranty will cover the cost of this repair for the original owner of instrument if they have not been abused. (Registration or proof of purchase is required by the factory.)
For those not covered by factory warranty...Cost to remove original bridge, plug holes thru the top and make a handmade replacement bridge with bone saddle starts at $200. Fancy inlays, ivory saddle option or finish touch up is additional.