If a guitar player is mainly in a rhythm role and spends most of their time playing at the 5th fret and below, then it is usually okay to leave the saddle straight. However, there are instances where compensation on a telecaster may not be necessary. Saddle compensation helps normalize effective string length. Since each of the six strings is different in thickness and pitch, their required length (from the nut to the saddle) for proper intonation will be different. Uncompensated Telecaster – Which One Is Better?Īs a general rule, compensated saddles are better for intonation.Īs your fingers press down on the fingerboard, the various thicknesses of the strings will affect the downward distance the string travels before hitting the fingered fret. The most significant impact on the electric guitar’s tone when it comes to the saddle will be its sustain or how long the notes ring out.Ĭertain types of saddles can add clarity to electric guitars, which may or may not be perceived depending on the ancillary effects in use (pedals, amp settings, etc.).

The electric guitar tone is also affected by the saddle. This is primarily true of acoustic guitars as they rely on the natural, organic construction of the instrument. This is most commonly found on classical nylon-stringed guitars as these types of strings tend to hold tune better, and the guitar does not require compensation. It has no grooves, raised edges, or angles.

What Does “Uncompensated Saddle” Mean?Īs a general rule, an uncompensated saddle is simply a straight saddle that goes all the way across. Still, it can also be something done to the guitar later and is often adjusted periodically as part of a guitar’s regular maintenance. The compensation is something that is typically an aspect of the guitar’s intonation that is taken care of during construction. It is achieved by either angling the saddle, adjusting the individual saddles on most electric guitars, or sanding grooves in the saddle of an acoustic guitar. This adjustment of string length at the guitar’s saddle is known as compensation. With the different string thicknesses, the length of each string will need to increase or decrease to maintain proper intonation. The length of the strings is a significant factor in the intonation of the guitar as the different strings require a particular measurement to achieve and maintain their desired tunings. The string length is measured from the nut to the saddle. This allows for the high E, B, and G strings to sit, adjusting the length of the strings.Ĭompensation has to do with the string length and its relationship with the guitar’s tuning. What Does “Compensated Saddle” Mean?Ī compensated saddle on a guitar is slanted or grooved. The uncompensated saddle has no grooves and is flat across the surface, perfect for rhythm playing, and tunes played at the 5th fret and below.īelow we’ll discuss in more detail the differences between the compensated saddle, and the uncompensated telecaster saddle. This adjustment compensates for accurate intonation in tunes played in the upper frets. The compensated saddle is slanted or grooved to allow for the high E, B, and G strings to sit. There are two types of saddles – compensated (slanted) and uncompensated (straight). A guitar saddle affects the tone, string height, and intonation of the guitar.Īs one of the two places where the strings are seated (the nut at the opposite end of the fretboard before the headstock is the other), this is a significant part of the guitar.

It is designed to transfer the string vibrations from the bridge to the soundboard. A guitar saddle is part of the bridge where the strings sit.

Best telecaster compensated saddles