Anthem SL sounds unbalanced

[Jwoodell]

I installed the SL yesterday, checked underneath the saddle for level contact. It's flat and clear of debris. The high E and B strings have a louder response than even the bass strings do--and it sounds thick. I'm using a Taylor 514 with TUSQ saddle. Is this normal for the Anthem to have this pattern? It doesn't sound bad, but when articulating indivudal strings, there is a noticeable difference in response--at least to me. Thanks for any help.

[Caleb_Elling]

The Anthem SL should have an even response, across the strings.

Has the saddle been sanded down to change the string height? If so, how was it done?

Also, is the saddle sitting flat in the slot under string pressure? This can be tested by pushing down on the saddle when the strings are up to tension. If the saddle shifts or re-seats itself, then it wasn't sitting completely on the bottom of the slot.

[Jwoodell]

The Anthem SL should have an even response, across the strings.

Has the saddle been sanded down to change the string height? If so, how was it done?

Also, is the saddle sitting flat in the slot under string pressure? This can be tested by pushing down on the saddle when the strings are up to tension. If the saddle shifts or re-seats itself, then it wasn't sitting completely on the bottom of the slot.

Thanks, I checked the saddle and found it was uneven on the bottom. I checked the bottom of the saddle for evenness against a straight edge ruler and did find some gaps. I simply sanded down the saddle checking to see if I could see some light against the straight edge until there were no more gaps. I put it back on, strung her up, plugged her in, and now she's balanced all around. Thanks LR Baggs. You just made my day.

[Caleb_Elling]

Awesome! That's great to hear.

Thanks for letting me know.

[Jwoodell]

having the same problem again

Awesome! That's great to hear.

Thanks for letting me know.

The high B and E if mixed with more transducer are extremely louder and bassy. The guitar doesn't sound this way on its own and when I mix all the way to the mic, the sound becomes balanced. I've checked the slot for debris and made sure the saddle was even in contact with the transducer by filing the under side of the saddle with fine grit sand paper checking it with a straight edge. I think something's wrong with the transducer. Any suggestions? It's kind of a bummer.

[Caleb_Elling]

Unfortunately, this sounds like the same problem. The Element is a single sensor pickup, so if it isn't working, there won't be any sound at all. Balance issues can be related to saddle fit and saddle material too.

Here's an article from StewMac on the issue: http://www.stewmac.com/tsarchive/ts0057.html

If the flatness and saddle fit are ok, then a different saddle material might be the only option. I know it's a hassle, but some guitars have more difficulty with under-saddle pickups than others.

[jiff 41]

Long time ago I had the same problem, there was so much pressure on the thicker strings it wasn't letting the saddle sit on the top 3 strings,
I knew it was the saddle at fault coz If I pressed on the top string part of the saddle I could hear the strings good,so before buying a new one I cut the saddle in half (between the 3rd & 4th strings) & the problem was solved, equal pressure all round, when light gauge strings were used the wasn't a problem, but with with the saddle cut it worked fine no matter what.
It's worth a go (you only loose a saddle?)