Update - Martin D18 saddle / setup

[Mrbarty]

Firstly, thanks everyone who responded to my earlier post. There were some very informative replies with great links to the technical stuff. ANyway, I have removed the saddle ( very stubborn - tighter on one side ) and have sanded down a replacement to the very bare minimum - about 1/16+ above the bridge on the high e end. The result puts the high e string just where I want it at 12th fret. The action is much lower - easier to play and I think the guitar sounds better too. I have elixir lights on so I guess the action would be higher with heavier ones. I haven't touched the truss rod or anything bar the saddle so I don't think I should have invalidated any warranty- ( the guitar is brand new ) I do find it strange that Martin craftsmen don't build in a little more leeway for action tweaking.

Once again, thanks for all the replies. When I get round to it, I think I will let a proper luthier take a look - see what they think. All were very busy ( for at least 2 months ) when i phoned - and all are some distance away. Hey ho ....just hope it wasn't one of the duds that needed neck reset!

[Norml]

I hope you at least checked the relief before sanding the saddle.

[TwoMartinMan]

Originally Posted by Norml

I hope you at least checked the relief before sanding the saddle.

+1 on this. Before I adjust the action on any guitar, I take all the relief out with the truss rod adjustment for a perfectly flat neck. Then add a bit back in after adjusting nut and saddle. The saddle is usually the last component I touch when doing a set up.