Schaller 456 bridge: dull/buzzing B string

[screwtop]

I'm putting together an all-Warmoth VIP with Schaller 456 bridge, and I've noticed a strange dull/buzzy sound on the B string, almost a bit like a sitar.  It affects the string the whole way up, even on the final fret, and only that string, so I don't believe it's a problem with action/neck relief or fret dress. One thing I did notice was that with the string removed, the saddle adjustment has a bit of "slop" in it, although one or two other saddles showed similar movement.  I've wondered if the saddle V needs to be filed slightly, or if it could be a manufacturing/metallurgy problem with this particular B string. I also wondered about replacing the e-clip in the saddle adjustment screw with a slightly thicker one, if I can find one. However, I'm reluctant to modify the bridge in any way in case it turns out to be a defect and I need to return it.

The bridge also has quite a strong resonance, around 350 Hz. If you rap it with your knuckle it almost sounds like a gong!  Is this normal?  Maybe some foam rubber padding between the bridge and the tailpiece might help?

Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[Cagey]

The saddle needs some attention, but you'll have to be very careful about it. Those saddles don't have individual height adjustments, so you want to reshape it slightly while avoiding lowering the slot at all. A fine diamond needle file would be best, or perhaps a nut slot file. Or, you could dull the edge of a utility knife blade and wrap some 320 grit sandpaper around it to create a very narrow file.

In any event, you want to create a more abrupt transition from the saddle to free air so the string doesn't have any interference on its vibrating side. It won't take much. It's likely there's just a small defect in the saddle casting. A magnifying glass might expose it if it's not obvious on close inspection. Filing that away will solve the problem.

 

[screwtop]

Thanks! That's improved it considerably. I could feel some roughness in the channel, and used a variety of cheap diamond files (small but probably not quite as fine as they should be) to smooth it down.

I should have mentioned that this is the 456 piezo model. After the initial filing I noticed that the pickup output for the B string sounded even worse (quiet and lacking in bass) but after polishing the channel smooth using some Brasso and an offcut of the B string, it's sounding great. Seems the more contact area the saddle has with the string, the better (though it's a fine adjustment). You may be right: a nut slot file might be just the thing.

ccasion14: