Bone saddle vs. Tusq saddle

[Cindy]

I downloaded the files. I just had to wait several minutes before my newly created account to be fully activated.

I like the ivory the best. Tusq sounded very compressed and both low end and high end cut off. Bone sounded better than Tusq but it was not well balanced (more emphasis on high ends). Ivory sounded beautifully, balanced over a wide frequency range, very nice.

Thanks for sharing the files, Cindy!

I too like the sound of ivory in 220volt's audio comparisons. I'm sure any saddle material will have some tonal shifts when put in a rosewood guitar compared to mahogany...or in any other type of wood, but I preferred the ivory.

I had two Ibanez acoustic guitars. Both were maple but were different models. The lesser expensive Ibanez had a beautiful warm tone. The more expensive Ibanez had a tone that wasn't nearly as nice. Both had the same saddle material which was Ibanez's own version of TUSQ. Frankly, I grew to really dislike the more expensive guitar because of its tone. Then I found out that a Taylor saddle was a perfect fit for the Ibanez, so I tried out a Bob Colosi WAHI (West African Hard Ivory) saddle in it. WHOA! It TOTALLY changed the tone for the better! Not only was it better; the tone was absolutely BEAUTIFUL! But everyone has their own preference when it comes to tone so there is no individual saddle that will be perfect for everyone. In this case, ivory is perfect!

Glad you found the mp3s to be helpful. 220volt is really nice in allowing me to share them.

[Giraku]

You convinced me, Cindy. I have just ordered a Bob Colosi WAHI saddle.
I will report back how it will sound possibly with sound clips.

And thank you, 220volts for recording sound samples on different saddle materials!

[sachi]

I'm another fan of Colosi saddles. I put one in my GC-5, and it was a small improvement to my ears – not as big a change as going from the Elixirs to D'Addario PB strings, but it went in the same direction. I also added one to my now-sold Voyage-Air, and that one made a huge difference, giving the guitar more clarity and tremendous sustain.

IMO it's worth trying a different saddle. They are inexpensive and might make a difference.

[Steve]

One of the reasons I buy a guitar is because I like the way it sounds. The saddle, nut and the strings all affect the sound.

So, if I like how a guitar sounds when I buy it, I don't see why I would want to change the sound that compelled me to buy it...

[Giraku]

One of the reasons I buy a guitar is because I like the way it sounds. The saddle, nut and the strings all affect the sound.

So, if I like how a guitar sounds when I buy it, I don't see why I would want to change the sound that compelled me to buy it...

I totally understand your perspective.
But I'm just greedy enough asking more...

[Giraku]

I have finally installed Colosi's WAHI saddle last night.
And I was pleasantly surprised how a saddle can make a difference!
The guitar was already sounding good but with the WAHI saddle it sounded like all the potential of the top wood has suddenly come alive.
I can hear more complex overtones while taming the sharp high frequency edges.
I love it! Thanks Bob for the wonderful saddle!!

[Strumming Fool]

Please remind me what WAHI stands for ( some days I really hate acronyms!)

Thanks!

[michaelw]

West African Hard Ivory

[Strumming Fool]

Thanks Michael...should I presume that it's legally obtained?

[michaelw]

i would contact Bob Colosi for more information/clarification
http://www.guitarsaddles.com/
from how i interpret the information on the website, the ivory is documented, legal to buy,
sell & ship in the US & the ivory was legally obtained & purchased through a licensed dealer

[Giraku]

I recorded my regular testing tune with the WAHI saddle.
For quick sound comparison, I also made another clip taking the sound of bone and WAHI saddles.
You can hear them from here.

It may not be clear on recording, but I hear more balanced tone with the WAHI saddle.

[wooglins]

I too am a fan of WAHI and have both a WAHI nut and saddle on my GS.   One thing I have noticed is that with the WAHI PB strings work better than 80/20's.   80/20's already tend to be bright, and this is accentuated by the WAHI.  With PB's you sorta get a best of both, inreased brightness along with that PB sound and durability.

Of course it is all just subjective. 

[Strumming Fool]

i would contact Bob Colosi for more information/clarification
http://www.guitarsaddles.com/
from how i interpret the information on the website, the ivory is documented, legal to buy,
sell & ship in the US & the ivory was legally obtained & purchased through a licensed dealer

I looked at Bob Colosi's website, found some experimental dyed bone bridge pins, and purchased them for my sinker/ovangkol BTO. They look great and sound pretty good, not better or worse than my usual pin of choice, buffalo horn.