594 - Different Saddles?

[dcm_guitar]

As I've been seeing and playing new 594s I've noticed a change in the saddles. I have a 2020 594 DC, and it has the brass block saddles. The pic below (not my guitar) has a great view of these saddles:

I've noticed that on SOME recent 594 models the saddle have changed to a brass trapezoidal shape. The image below (again, not my guitar) shows this newer saddle shape:

Does anyone have any info on the change? PRSH has been quoted as saying "anything that touches the string is God" so I'm curious about this change. I've seen it on the 2020 Experience guitars as they make their way into retail availability. Is this a tweak that only the 2020 Experience guitars have?

Just curious if anyone has any insight or info.

 

[bodia]

So, I remember seeing this in a video, I think. Somewhere there was mention, or it was shown. Can't remember if it was a Brian demo vid, or the video of Tim Pierce and Howard. I went and looked at my late 2019 DC with 2020 specs, and it has the square saddles. I looked at all of MA Pete's 2020s that he rolled through. He has the 2020 SC Prototype, and that one has the trapezoid shape. That guitar has a 2019 s/n. Found this note in a post from Pete about the Tim/Howard video.

"Also Howard talked about tweaks to the Bridge for the 2020s, more downward pressure providing for better tone."

I looked at 5 or 6 of the 594s he cycled through for 2020 (all 2020 models), and none of them had the trap saddles. Perhaps it is/was a case of depleting existing inventory before changing over to the trap on all 2020 594s.

 

[fjs1962]

I just bought a new 2020 that has the older block saddles. Wonder if the new saddles will be available to buy as replacement parts?

 

[BrianC]

the trap ones appear to be just like the ones on my old LP

I thought that the larger block was to transfer energy and increase tone??????

 

[Bob Hundemer]

My 2020 SC has the block saddles.

 

[Geo408]

I don’t care for the trap version...too G-brand-ish, for my taste. I like the stability of the block type. Much better design, imo.

 

[Keith B.]

Have any of you seen JUST the flatter saddles for sale somewhere, and would they likely just be a quick switch out?

I imagine you 'might' have to raise that bridge piece to accommodate for desired/same string height.

 

[Blakemore]

Would LOVE for @John Mann to make replacement saddles for the 594s in different alloys... i.e. steel, zinc, etc.
As with LP's you can really hone in on warmth vs snap of pick attack etc with various saddle types.

 

[John Mann]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm

 

[Blakemore]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm

YES PLEASE!!

 

[Keith B.]

Another yes please!

 

[John Mann]

I am currently in saddle design mode... first project is '59 vintage correct tune-a-matic saddles and intonation screws. I am doing this in conjunction with Mark Bishop of Mark's Guitar Loft.
After that, I'll take a poke at my buddy Paul's designs

 

[Keith B.]

So cool that you've got attention on this forum and this topic! Thank you.

 

[shimmilou]

My 2020 S2 594, and 2020 S2 594 Thinline both have the LP-style saddles

 

[Blakemore]

Looking on the PRS website it looks like they might be going back to the bigger brass block saddles on the newer 594 models?

I really like the skinnier trapezoid version and went to try and purchase one of those bridges today and all I can find are the bigger brass block models.

That was not the case 5 months ago when I bought a trapezoid style for an 2016 594.

Very curious....

 

[RJK Tech]

Would LOVE for @John Mann to make replacement saddles for the 594s in different alloys... i.e. steel, zinc, etc.
As with LP's you can really hone in on warmth vs snap of pick attack etc with various saddle types.

I notice this is spades with my LP Custom.

 

[Erick_S]

Looking on the PRS website it looks like they might be going back to the bigger brass block saddles on the newer 594 models?

I really like the skinnier trapezoid version and went to try and purchase one of those bridges today and all I can find are the bigger brass block models.

That was not the case 5 months ago when I bought a trapezoid style for an 2016 594.

Very curious....

If you prefer the narrower saddles, let me know. I just ordered a couple of bridges and they all came with that saddle. I prefer the square saddles, so I am not happy.