Question New saddles for axis ss

[spikei]

Hi, I have to replace the saddles on my musicman axis super sport with trem, its a 2000 dob and needs some tlc. i believe the size of the saddles are 10.8mm wide by 20mm long, can some one confirm these measurements please.
My other question is, is it worth me trying a different type of saddle ie roller, graphite etc. can anyone recommend a type of saddle for the musicman axis.
I live in the UK so parts from musicman are a bit hard to get.
Any advise welcome.

 

[Vodka]

graphtech?
Products & Ordering - Graph Tech
Products & Ordering - Graph Tech

 

[Spudmurphy]

I use KTS titanium saddles on one of my Als

 

[beej]

I live in the UK so parts from musicman are a bit hard to get.

Shouldn't be too bad ... Strings & Things is the UK distributor, you should be able to get any parts through them. MM customer service can help you out if you're having trouble, though.

As for trying different saddles, lots of folks here have tried different ones. There are pros & cons to each type, really.

 

[spikei]

Hey guys someone must have the correct measurements for the saddles or even the E to E just want to make sure i get the right saddles, my EBMM is from the year 2000 and second hand so some one may have put different saddles on it, so i just need clarification on the measurements
thanks
mike

 

[Sticky1973]

Hi fella.

Just echoing beej, you should contact Strings & Things; I have dealt with these guys a few times, and they are really helpful.

That said, I know you are playing safe looking for info, so i'll throw some measurements your way. The saddles are centred with the centre of the intonation screws, so from e to E that measures 54mm.

Simple arithmetic, but the width of the saddles to fit would be around 10.8mm.

I own a set of Graph Tech Import saddles, and they fit nicely with a tiny gap (10.41mm saddle), nothing to worry about. Check out this thread.....

http://www.ernieball.com/forums/mus...e-graphtech-saddles-music-man-axis-sport.html

Are you changing because you know your saddles are not original, for aesthetics, or for function?

Hope that helps.

 

[spikei]

Hi Sticky, Thanks for info, just what i needed to know, you have confirmed for me that the saddles are original, i am changing because they have a few Allen screws seized and will not shift, i will probably go for the graphtech saddles.
your measurements and time are very much appreciated.
big thanks
Spike

 

[Sticky1973]

Not a problem, glad to help.

Have you tried soaking the saddles with WD 40 for a while, maybe even subject them to a little heat and cold, to break the bond between the surfaces. Then, maybe grab the height adjustment screw from the bottom and tease it through from below with some pliers (assuming we discard the screws after this butchery!), then source some new minty fresh screws either through EBMM or a local luthier? If the saddles are in good condition it would be a shame to have to replace them?

That said, I do like the Graph Tech saddles, I have no doubt they will do great.

Keep us updated, pics of the finished item are essential!

 

[spikei]

Hi Sticky, funny you should say that cos i was thinking the same thing so i placed the saddles on the hot plate cooker hob, let them get a bit hot about 3 mins and away to go, a pair of pliers and out them came, already had new Allen screws so job done. I still may look at graphite ones but at least i am up and running again.
big thanks again for your assistance
Spike

 

[spikei]

Just put some photos in the gallery, Axis bridge TLC.

 

[Sticky1973]

Oh yes, very nice indeed.

That chrome on the trem plate is shining like new.

Looks great.

Very nice axe fella.