Flipping Les Paul Saddle

[indysmith]

I need to flip the saddle to try and get some more travel because I can't set the intonation on the G-string.
Only problem;
The saddle won't come out. I've removed the wire, but it won't budge still.
Any ideas?
Thanks

[Lazy_McDoesnothing]

If I remember right you have to loosen the saddle screw so that the saddle moves away from the screw head and then you can lift it out from the top by lifting on the screw head.  It can be a bit finicky so you might have to work it a round a little. 

[indysmith]

Nope - still not coming off. I've taken the whole bridge off so i can get at it easier, and still no luck...
Thanks LazyMc, anybody else? :lol:

[Gary]

I need to do this to a couple of the saddles on my LP bridge so will watch with interest. The main reason I haven't tried it yet is I'm worried about bending/ breaking the wire retainer. Do you need any special tools to remove it or put it back in?

[Lazy_McDoesnothing]

Well now I'm stumped.  If you've removed the wire retainer the screw should just pop up with the saddle.  Have you tried removing any of the other saddles beside the G string's?  Try setting the saddle so it's in the middle of it's travel and then prying up on the screw.

Gary, if you're worried about breaking the retainer you can always get a new one for cheap.  And you should be able to remove the retainer with a flathead screwdriver or a needle nose pliers pretty easily.
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Bridges,_tailpieces/Electric_guitar,_Tune-o-matic_bridges/4/ABR-1_Tune-o-matic_Bridges_and_Parts.html

[indysmith]

I've tried prying it on all of them. No luck. I'm going to take it into PMT tomorrow and see if they can do it.

Gary don't worry about the saddle retainer too much - it's not as delicate as people make out; just pull it out with a screwdriver. If your bridge is anything like mine it won't matter a bit if you break it! Thems saddles aint coming out.

[ToneMonkey]

I'm an experianced mechanical engineer and in my professional opinion you should tw@t it with a hammer  :lol:

[WezV]

if in doubt give it a clout ;)