Acoustic Guitar Construction

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

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).

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

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.

Okay thanks for input guys. Slanted it is.

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