Ken Smith Saddles circa 1992 vs eg. 2014

[Dave Itterly]

I saw some Ken Smith saddles in the past, and if I remember correctly, the string basically rested in the 2 co-linear grooves, but the narrow groove I assume goes towards the nut? But I might be wrong altogether. Do the saddles today get made the same way? What I really mean to say not "made" the same way, but has the design of the saddle changed in this respect since back then.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Dave Itterly

I saw some Ken Smith saddles in the past, and if I remember correctly, the string basically rested in the 2 co-linear grooves, but the narrow groove I assume goes towards the nut? But I might be wrong altogether. Do the saddles today get made the same way? What I really mean to say not "made" the same way, but has the design of the saddle changed in this respect since back then.

Our Bridges are the same. Picture of the '92 you are referring to?

[Dave Itterly]

Originally Posted by Ken Smith

Our Bridges are the same. Picture of the '92 you are referring to?

Well, I was really just thinking about the strings resting on the brass saddle. Some actually have a steel pin which is at the string node I'd guess it's called. I saw about a year ago on American Idol a guy playing a Fodera and that has a steel pin I think. I don't know if that is significant enough to alter the sound to allow for all types of music. Is your's designed around a specific genre of music? Does this account for resting on the brass instead? Did you see him playing that when Nicki Minaj was a co-hostess?

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Dave Itterly

Well, I was really just thinking about the strings resting on the brass saddle. Some actually have a steel pin which is at the string node I'd guess it's called. I saw about a year ago on American Idol a guy playing a Fodera and that has a steel pin I think. I don't know if that is significant enough to alter the sound to allow for all types of music. Is your's designed around a specific genre of music? Does this account for resting on the brass instead? Did you see him playing that when Nicki Minaj was a co-hostess?

I don't know what you mean. All of our bridge saddles are the same as far as I remember. The music director for that show is Ricky Minor and his first Smith bass is from about 1985 or '87. I don't recall it being much different if at all. I don't know what other companies use for bridges, sorry, We just do what we do and it's what I prefer.

[Dave Itterly]

Originally Posted by Ken Smith

I don't know what you mean. All of our bridge saddles are the same as far as I remember. The music director for that show is Ricky Minor and his first Smith bass is from about 1985 or '87. I don't recall it being much different if at all. I don't know what other companies use for bridges, sorry, We just do what we do and it's what I prefer.

OK. I see what you are saying. So a Smith bass having 100% brass saddles is appropriate for all types of playing, genres I think it's referred to as... For example rock, metal, jazz, pop, easy listening?

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Dave Itterly

OK. I see what you are saying. So a Smith bass having 100% brass saddles is appropriate for all types of playing, genres I think it's referred to as... For example rock, metal, jazz, pop, easy listening?

Sure, why not? You press down metal strings on metal frets so why not anchor the strings on brass at both ends. If you want all wood, get a violin or double bass or cello. Don't get a viola!