saddle material

[peter havriluk]

I think I've picked up a good dose of background information and practical advice about saddle widths, thanks to everyone who took time to educate me. Moving right along....about saddle material itself. I saw by grazing around on E*** that saddles are available made from bone, horn, various plastics, and a great spread in prices. The vendor that attracted me sells saddle blanks made of 'Corian' which I thought was a synthetic material used in countertops to emulate various stones. If this is the same stuff, is it any good for saddles. I think I'm asking whether a saddle made of Corian would sound any different from a saddle made of bone? The appeal to me is that the vendor offers to sell blanks in 3/16" and 1/4" thicknesses, which sounds like a convenience.

Thanks, once again!

[ken cierp]

I believe Martin used Corian at one time, then switched to Micarta and Tusq. I like bone for the look and it seems harder then the synthetics. It is my understanding however, that the manufacturer's of the under saddle pick-ups recommend one of the plastics since bone is more porous and likely not to transfer vibrations as good.

[Tim Benware]

I don't mess with success - BONE all the way!

[peter havriluk]

Since the latest reply I looked around (Google search) and found many discussions that seem to follow the Ford vs. Chevy 'discourse'. I think when the time comes to install a saddle on the guitar I'm building, I'm going to make up both a bone saddle and a Corian saddle and see what the guitar sounds like with the only difference being the saddle material. Seems like an easy way to settle the matter for that particular guitar.

[Tim Benware]

And remember - it always comes down to personal preference.

[TonyinNYC]

True. You may prefer the sound with a manufactured material over that of bone. It is just what you like, not what is "better" based on other people's opinions.
Don't let the preconceived notions of others cloud your judgement on what saddle is best. Just don't do it man. It's a slippery slope of self doubt. Or it might not be. I really know nothing about the human psyche'.