My saddles don’t look “right”. Is this normal?

[RoséBear]

Just threw on a fresh set of strings and noticed this. When I usually set intonation, it’s stairstep. One higher than the next. I noticed my A string saddle is just as high as the D string. Usually I’ve seen the A intonation height is between the E and D. How normal is it for one or more strings to be different than the norm?

[Embenny]

Well, your first problem is that you strung your guitar backwards

There's nothing wrong with the way it looks. The key is to use an accurate tuner (like a strobe, especially), a fresh but settled-in set of strings, and go by tuning and not visually.

Acoustic guitars and many archtops have saddles that are in a straight line, angled back towards the low E, and sometimes with a little compensated notch for the G string, and have acceptable intonation that way, so it's not "wrong" for two saddles to be at the same length.

[RoséBear]

Well, your first problem is that you strung your guitar backwards

There's nothing wrong with the way it looks. The key is to use an accurate tuner (like a strobe, especially), a fresh but settled-in set of strings, and go by tuning and not visually.

Acoustic guitars and many archtops have saddles that are in a straight line, angled back towards the low E, and sometimes with a little compensated notch for the G string, and have acceptable intonation that way, so it's not "wrong" for two saddles to be at the same length.

Thanks! I’m using a Boss TU-3. Do you think that’s accurate enough?

[timtam]

I had a similar issue once. Looked more closely and realized that a string was actually resting on the front end of the screw ! Not sure that is your particular problem though.

Depending on the overall bridge height, I have also had strings resting on the front or back edge of the bridge plate. So all worth checking in these situations.

Another common explanation is one old or just 'odd' string.

[RoséBear]

I had a similar issue once. Looked more closely and realized that a string was actually resting on the front end of the screw ! Not sure that is your particular problem though.

Metric offset bridges tend to come with 18mm long M3 screws, which is too long IMHO. First thing I do now is switch them all to 16mm. Imperial bridge intonation screws are usually around 15-16mm IIRC.

Depending on the overall bridge height, I have also had strings resting on the front or back wall of the bridge plate. So all worth checking in these situations.

Another common explanation is one old or just 'odd' string.

This has happened with all the D’addario strings I’ve tried and I just changed strings. Here’s a pic! It doesn’t appear to be the case...

[timtam]

Hmmm ... that is a little odd .. but not too much.

BTW I had edited my original post while you were replying because I realized I was looking at the wrong string in your original pic.

Just out of interest .... how far from the strings are your pickups ?

[RoséBear]

Hmmm ... that is a little odd .. but not too much.

BTW I had edited my original post while you were replying because I realized I was looking at the wrong string in your original pic.

Just out of interest .... how far from the strings are your pickups ?

I’ve got a Novak WRHB in the bridge and the v-mod that came with the American professional in the neck.

Bridge: 2.7mm on both sides

Neck:2mm on both sides

[prospect]

Well, your first problem is that you strung your guitar backwards

[RoséBear]

Bump?

[andy_tchp]

If it's intonated there's no issue whatsoever.

[Telliot]

If it's intonated there's no issue whatsoever.

This. If it’s in tune all the way up the neck, you’re golden.