Saddle effect on Strat tone

How much do the saddles effect the tone of a strat. I had someone suggest that I replace the saddles on a Strat with graphite replacements.

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I put a metal saddles on the third string and a graphite on second string.
And reverse the process with the second and the third string and i prefered the tone and the sustain of metal (fender stamped) saddles than the graphite one. I decided to do this A/B test after i noticed a lack of twang (with graphite saddles) and also that wound strings left a groove (wound tread)
mark on my graphite saddles... Put back my old saddles.

Graph Tech saddles are a standard mod on all my guitars. I find they increase sustain and do affect mids, even on my Strats.

Ken Wilson

Amer. Dlx. Tele, Gary Moore LP, LP Faded DC,
Jeff Beck Strat, Morgan OM Acoustic,
Rick 360/12, Std. Strat (MIM), Mesa 100 Nomad,
Mesa F-30

"Goodnight Austin, Texas, wherever you are."

"Sheldon" wrote

Exactly.
Nothing can be assumed. Field testing must be done.

I don't think saddles are as crucial a factor on electric guitars, because the sound it picked up directly from the strings..
but I have long been pondering their role in acoustic guitars.

Almost all the music coming out of our soundholes has to travel to the soundboard, through the bridge/saddle combo.

When I see the 'twist wheels' and other 'blockages' in this route..
I think; "That can't be getting the best possible acoustic sound?"

With that in mind, I have launched experiments with Lignum Vitae, the same material that I use for my guitar picks..
and that I am obsessed with.

We all know how sound travels so well through water..
well the cell structure of Lignum Vitae is saturated with a huge amount of it's own natural oil.

My theory is that a saddle or bridge of this material, with the grain running in the optimum direction, might impart a new level of sound quality.

I have already sent the first prototype to my tester. http://surfpick.com/saddles

I don't see why they wouldn't be of value on an electric guitar, perhaps to a lesser extent?

I've only heard of graphite saddles being used for string breakage problems..

That said, the big thing on any saddle is the spot on which the string contacts it. Much like a nut, a saddle that contacts too much of the string will adversely affect tone. Also, saddles that are rough could affect tuning stability on a tremolo guitar.

As to graphite vs. steel and the tone, I'm not sure...

Every report I've heard confirms that saddle material will have an effect on how an acoustic sounds. As you've said, that's the main link between the string and the top (soundboard). Plus, with an acoustic, changing saddle material will change the tone, but since tone is subjective it may not change it for the better.

As for an electric, I know a lot of people who have changed their saddles, but not to change the tone. The way an electric produces sound is just too far removed from an acoustic.

I replaced the stock saddles with String Savers. I didn't notice any difference other than a slight increase in sustain