Bent steel vs solid saddles on Silos?

[candid_x]

For those who have/had Silos/Silo Specials, and have switched from stock bent steel (vintage) saddles to EB solid block type saddles, what do you see as the advantages and disadvantages of each, and which do you prefer?

 

[wired]

I switched the OE vintage saddles on my Silhouette Special to the solid steel ones (ordered from EBMM). To me, they're more comfortable for my picking hand when it's resting on the bridge. Sound-wise, I don't know that I've noticed much of a difference, nothing real significant to my ears.

I prefer the feel & look of the solid steel, which is why I made the change.

 

[beej]

I've tried both on different guitars. The solid ones feel better (you don't catch your hand on the screws), but I think the vintage ones sound better.

The vintage saddles sound brighter- there's more of a "zing" to them. So I much prefer them.

 

[Sub1 Zero]

I'll be finding out shortly, I have a set on order for my silo

 

[fsmith]

When Tim was giving away a set I snagged them and put them on my 20th Silo. Played it for a weekend and then put the vintage saddles back on. I couldn't put my finger on it at the time, but I think Beej hit on it. Brighter maybe. So I in turn shipped the solid saddles off to Glenn. I'm not sure what he put them on but maybe he can weigh in.

fred

 

[Lew]

I bet with the guitar plugged in you couldn't tell a difference other than feel,and if you can then you probably set the string's higher/lower than the other saddles ;P
*Put's on flame resistant jacket* Go easy on me,opinions are like as...axis super sports!

 

[lock-ny]

Candid if you look at my thread with my guitars youll see I have them on all of them, I think they make a bigger difference if you play with more gain and stuff, they add attack and definite bite, they are also way more comfy for the right hand, if your playing clean alot it may not make a huge difference but comfort wise it will -

 

[GWDavis28]

When Tim was giving away a set I snagged them and put them on my 20th Silo. Played it for a weekend and then put the vintage saddles back on. I couldn't put my finger on it at the time, but I think Beej hit on it. Brighter maybe. So I in turn shipped the solid saddles off to Glenn. I'm not sure what he put them on but maybe he can weigh in.

fred

Fred, thanx again, I haven't put them on anything yet, been straight out at work and home. I've been thinking about putting them on my Luke, because I wanna block the trem, but I digress.

I have solid saddles on my Axis Sport and on my 20th and I have to say that I prefer them over the bent ones. My AL and Silo Special have the bent ones and I just seem to think that the solid saddles make them sound more fuller, but that's me.

Good luck, Glenn |B)

 

[candid_x]

Thanks for your input, guys. Seems mileage varies quite a lot.

I wouldn't change my rosewood board Silo, but my maple board Silo, while plenty bright, isn't as thick sounding, so I've been toying with the idea of trying solid saddles.

Comfort isn't much of an issue for me, as I only occasionally rest my hand on the bridge, and the adjustment screws don't protrude on the bass strings.

hrmm..

 

[paranoid70]

Can someone provide pics of the different types of saddles so I know what you are talking about?

 

[Big Poppa]

the bent sound better to me.

 

[uvacom]

Can someone provide pics of the different types of saddles so I know what you are talking about?

Not EBMM saddles, but same concept -

Bent:

Solid:

 

[Axilla]

I guess beej is right. The solid ones are sometimes a lot more comfortable (when you're resting your hand on the bridge), but the bent ones have a little more high end to my humble ears. My Silos feature the bent ones, my Axis models the solid ones. The PUs cannot be compared, but after the dry and wet sound and that mentioned "zing", I do like the bent ones a lot more.

 

[candid_x]

Thanks again for y'alls input. Think I'll skip the surgery, and be content just playing with my balls.

 

[PeteDuBaldo]

I modded my AL a while back....

I would say that some of the high tones are not quite as present with the solid saddles, but it was more of a comfort thing for me - I cut the ball of my hand on the vintage saddle screws one time too many, and I like the solid saddle feel.

I had to... white pearloid keys to match the pickguard, and solid steel saddles to replace the vintage ones.

Before

After

Would this be the appropriate thread to tell somene "Go get bent" ?

 

[paranoid70]

Hmmm... the straight saddles do look like they would be more comfortable. I do rest my had alot when playing songs with simple chord changes, and I find it to be a little uncomfortable. (My guitar has the bent saddles obviously). Actually, I hadn't given it much thought as to why it felt that way, so this gives me more to ponder now. Thanks.

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

I think the solid ones look better!