Changed the saddle on my SD-03

[GGJaguar]

I've been playing my new SD-03 for a couple of weeks now and there was a noticeable high frequency overtone ("ping") on certain notes that I found annoying.  I changed the strings (twice) with two different brands (medium gauge), but the overtone was still there.  The overtone was produced on the G-B-E strings so I suspected the Tusq saddle might be the cause.  I checked the saddle for fit (it was fine) and how the strings sat on the saddle (saddle top contour, break angle, etc looked good).  Being a brand new guitar, there wasn't even an appreciable string groove worn into the saddle yet.  So, I replaced the Tusq piece with a compensated bone saddle.  Problem solved!  The difference in tone between the two saddle materials is subtle, but still very apparent.  The "ping" is gone and the highest overtones are a little smoother, but the SD's sound, response and character are pretty much the same (a good thing).

There ya have it.

GG

[ffinke]

That's an interesting observation. Do you have any idea what would cause that? Would the reverse situation have the same effect? I'm still playing Tusq on my Larrivee (afraid to change because it sounds so good) but I've got some strange 'jangles' on my OMs. I'm hoping the pending string change will remedy the situation.

Thanks for the insight, though.
f

[Zohn]

I know someone who might have sold the guitar had it happened to him.
Interesting observation GG, and thanks for sharing some good concrete insight.

[abalone at last]

but wait...................that jangle might come back later...then what are you going to do...I often find dreadnoughts to be jangly and sometimes annoyingly so, with rosewood D's being especially prone, that includes Larrivee, Martin, Normans and a few others....not much experience with SD ,but my LV and my J-45 (that I sold) are/were not prone to have a jangle in the treble section. Tusq on LV 

[broKen]

Could the nut be the culprit? If the angle of the nut slot is to flat, the string can bounce around inside the slot giving some zing or jangle. Also, check all the nuts and screws (tuners) for any loose.

[abalone at last]

No ...broken ..he's talking about aftertones...ie .string tones resonating as you let a chord or notes ring...

[broKen]

No ...broken ..he's talking about aftertones...ie .string tones resonating as you let a chord or notes ring...

Oh.