Saddle Talk

[billbass1]

Apparently on some Guild basess, the little paddles on the bridges,where the
saddles attach, were bent at the factory, thus the need for a bit of extra width on the replacement saddles.

I'm not sure I follow what you are saying. Perhaps it is because all my paddles appear the same and none appear bent. My paddles all seem to be perpendicular to the bridge plate.

Thanks for the report/endorsement, BTW.

Yes, mine are straight also, on the 67 Starfire and 73 M-85.
On my previous 71 JS II they were straight to.
I recently acquired a 68 Starfire II ,and on that one the saddles are very
snugly in place. I did not try pulling them off since they appear in excellent condition.
Perhaps the reason they are so snug is because of bent paddles ?
Or, since the bass is overall just about mint, they were just never removed
before, and with 40 years of time have just clung on ?
I am just passing along what I was told and what I do know.........

 

[fronobulax]

Thanks. I get it now. Somehow when I first read "slot width" I was thinking of the notch the string goes through. That could vary based upon the string gauge and even the "elevation" of the bridge since the bridge travels in a slight arc and not just straight. I've got it now and understand how the width of the "paddle slot" is important and how it relates to bent paddles. Kind of cool, too, that we have name for another bridge part.