Locating a wrap around bridge

[Tony Lewis Skypilot Guitar Repair]

My two cents: Do exactly as Dan did and use an adjustable bridge so you have adjustability instead of a set saddle situation. I think the original saddle was adjustable yes?

[Karl Borum Novice Builder]

“…I am wondering where that extra length came from? Is that from the string travel (intonation adjustment) on the tuneomatic bridge piece?”

The intonation at the bridge is related to the stiffness of steel strings, and the differing degree of string stretch when fretted. String stretch is also why, when you check intonation at the 12th fret, you FRET the note as opposed to plucking the harmonic.

[Alex Aguado Guitar Teckery]

Right. The BC Rich Bronze had a wrap around bridge with individual saddles for each string. The studs were tilting towards the nut so I pulled them and used a dowell to plug the holes. I’ve put together parts-casters before and all of them had pilot hole or were used bodies so placing the bridge was easy. This is the first time I have had to locate the bridge.

Would you say that adding 9/64ths is a rule of thumb?

And thank you all for the advice.

[Tony Lewis Skypilot Guitar Repair]

Hopefully I’m not overreaching and assuming. If I am, I apologize.

It’s a good “ballpark” idea. Dan’s relocating an adjustable bridge so he’s using a method to get him close quickly because he knows he has “adjustability”. This method is specific to this situation. Locating a fixed, single saddle has more pieces to it. For instance, the angle of the saddle in relation to the centerline is not discussed because Dan is going off already determined points, so no discussion necessary.

There are many methods from more nuanced mathematics to ballpark ideas and gadgets to locate and compensate bridge/saddles. In your instance, you already have ballpark locations from previous install and Dan’s method is perfectly tailored to what you are doing, provided you use an adjustable bridge/saddle set up. If you are going to use a fixed bridge/saddle set up, your going to need to get closer in your locating and other methods may be necessary. It’s great that you are diving in to learn about the why’s and how’s of locating proper saddle location, and to the theories on why/how compensation works. In your case, buying a pre-intonated bridge can be problematic as the intonation of a pre-set saddle will not be precise to your instrument. If you haven’t already, I humbly recommend getting a beater acoustic and taking off the bridge and relocating it. Make a saddle and compensate it. The journey will lead you to finding resources and answers and what works best for you.