bridge pin holes

[Paul C]

Is it better to make bridge pin holes on a taper with the saddle?. It seems some guitars do and some dont

[Tim Benware]

The two things I like about doing it that way is equidistant from the saddle maintains a more even string break angle (IMO) and having the holes off line lessens the chance of weakening the bridge plate along that line and potentially splitting (IMO).

[ken cierp]

Seems to be personal preference -- if it were better I would think that's the way Martin, for example, would make the bridges for its most expensive models -- in fact in the price point line up its the less expensive models that have the slanted pin holes.

I would say Tim's point about the break angle does in fact need some attention -- I recommend string ramps as described here:
http://www.kennethmichaelguitars.com/bridgeprep.html

[Tim Benware]

Yes, I like string ramps and now include them in the bridges I make (slanted hole line). My preference may be purely anecdotal but I can not remember repairing any cracked bridges i.e. cracked between the bridge pin holes, on slanted pins but have done many on those that are straight in line.

[Paul C]

Okay thanks for input guys. Slanted it is.

[ken cierp]

We make and use three different patterns straight , slanted and radius. Taylor went from their original radius pattern to straight across.