Is this saddle height and break angle dangerous?

[Locobolo]

The guitar is a Goodall CJ. My fear is if it's posing a risk to cracking the bridge from being seemingly too high. As it is though, action and playability is spot on (6/64" and 4/64"). String height on top of the soundboard is 0.5".

That saddle looks high to me. I like to see no more than 0.150" or so above a Martin style bridge. I also like to avoid having more saddle above the bridge than the depth of the slot. This bridge does seem to have a lot of meat in front of the saddle, so it is probably less likely to break out the front and it doesn't appear to be leaning.

What is the height of the strings above the top of the guitar?

[rick-slo]

It is steep, especially on the low E string. Don't know it is a definite problem. You could reduce the angle some by angling the top of the saddle downward somewhat on the pin side.

[Locobolo]

Originally Posted by Todd Yates

What is the height of the strings above the top of the guitar?

1/2 inch measured at the front of the bridge.

[Alan Carruth]

I'd call that risky, for sure. There has to be more saddle above the bridge than there is in the slot, and the break angle looks to be about 60 degrees, at least on the ow E. That makes the tipping force on the top of the saddle very high (if I figured it right, it's as much as 85% of the string tension), with a lot of leverage trying to split out the front of the bridge. Not good.

[fazool]

Also worrisome i the fact that such a tall saddle still has good action. Could that mean the neck position/set are off? Possibly.

[JTFoote]

Based on the photos, I would have to suspect that the neck angle is off - that the neck is overset.

... JT

[PTC Bernie]

Yes, it looks high. You might want to send tht to the folks at Goodall and get their opinion. They're very responsive.

[mercy]

Ideally a bridge will be 3/8" thick in the middle, between the d and g strings, with 1/8" saddle showing there. Add them together which equals 1/2" bottom of the strings there to the top. So you have the ideal string height but it looks like your bridge is thinner. Only you can measure it.
By the way its a beauty, I like the way the back is tapered and the intersection of the wings with the back looks good. Then the radiused edging, very nice looking bridge and probably light weight for a ebony bridge.

[terken]

Is it brand new? If so it'll probably settle in over the next year and wind up lower.
If it's older did someone do a neck reset on it?

[Howard Klepper]

Relax, you have a perfect neck angle, with great action and 1/2" string height at the bridge.

It would be nice if the bridge was a bit thicker and then the saddle would not be so high above the bridge. The break angle over the saddle would be lower. But it isn't, and you should not lose any sleep over that, because it probably won't be a problem.

Worst case: the bridge cracks, and it gets replaced under warranty.

Most likely case: you enjoy playing your guitar and nothing bad happens.

[ljguitar]

Hi Locobolo…

Here is a picture of the saddle on my 22½ year old Olson…and it's always pleased me that it has this much exposed saddle…







Don't think it's dangerous, but I've only been using it for a couple decades.

[charles Tauber]

Originally Posted by terken

Is it brand new? If so it'll probably settle in over the next year and wind up lower.

The laws of physics prevent that. But for humidity-induced changes, the strings pulling on the instrument always tend to raise, not lower, action. As an instrument ages, the strings don't get lower.

[jpjr50]

If string action is optimal then why should this matter? I'm asking as a noob as each guitar would be different at the saddle I would suppose. If this is how the guitar was built I would believe it's fine then.

[Locobolo]

Thank you everybody for the replies.

Larry/LJ, can you kindly post a pic of the break angle on your Olson? If it's the same or close as mine, that will settle it and I will not sleep in peace.