Got a new Taylor!!!

Tony Mombo · #1 07-09-2003, 08:00 AM

Hi, I bought my new 414ce about a month ago and love it. I found that I began breaking G strings, brought ir to the dealer and they shaved down the saddle. I can't believe that I had to get it shaved down already.

My question is: I heard the "Tusq" saddles are very soft and prone to wear easily. Does anyone recommend I replace it with bone? My dealer says it will drastically effect the tone. If so, how much?

Thanks

Taylor '03 414ce
Guild '73 D40

freestyle · #2 07-09-2003, 08:02 AM

Tony, a lot of our forum members replace the tusc bridge with bone. And congratulations on your new Taylor guitar! I wish you many years of happiness together

TimmyPack · #3 07-09-2003, 08:27 AM

I have a bone nut & saddle on my 710ce. It really increases the sustain and tone, IMO. I think you would like it.

The reason you are breaking strings could be a few things.

1) Bad Strings

2) The tuning peg has a bur on it that eats away at the string over time.

3) The nut could have a bur on it where the string cross's it.

Let us know how it works out.
Tim

TXblues · #4 07-09-2003, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tony Mombo
My dealer says it will drastically effect the tone. If so, how much?

I replaced the TUSQ saddle on my 712 and 714 with bone and found that I received a clearer tone with added sustain. I wouldn't describe the difference between TUSQ and BONE as being drastic, to my ear it was more of a subtle improvement. If you put in the bone saddle yourself and don't like it, just put the old TUSQ back in...... the whole project will only cost $5 -$6. Lots of info on how to do it around the forum.

Tony Mombo · #5 07-09-2003, 09:10 AM

Thanks, guys. The strings broke at the saddle, but I think I may replace the nut as well. I use the same type Elixir NANOWEB strings that came with the guitar and change them every 3-4 gigs. I don't think its the strings.

One of the members of my band has a 5 year old 510 and is constantly changing things on his own. He is at his witts end and ready to throw in the towel. His problem is that the guitar goes out of tune easily and is greatly affected by changes in humidity. I told him to see a professional to set up his guitar once and for all but he doesn't think anything else can be done. He laught when he saw I bought a Taylor.

Thanks again

meridian · #6 07-09-2003, 11:38 AM

Hi Tony, welcome to the Forum.

I haven't had any probs with the Tusq saddles and nuts, but will be interested to hear what you think after you change em out.

Mburst · #7 07-09-2003, 11:45 AM

I have had no problems with the Tusq either, and I had heard that it is very strong.

It seems to me that if bone really significantly improved the tone and sustain, Taylor would be using it.

Mark