11 Best Guitar Saddles 2025

While they are often overlooked, saddles are an incredibly important aspect of any guitar. They provide a fulcrum point for the strings to resonate upon.

However, when your saddle gets to be unusable, you quickly find out the value of a well-made saddle.

If you’re in the market for a replacement saddle, you’re in the right place. Here are the best guitar saddles available on the market for both electric and acoustic guitars.

Best Electric Guitar Saddles

Graph Tech PG-8000-0C String Saver Classics – Best Electric Guitar Saddle Overall

Have a Telecaster or Stratocaster that needs a little bit of love? You’ll definitely want to check out the Graph Tech PG-8000-0C String Saver Classics (see price on Amazon or Sweetwater).

These saddles have a string spacing of 2-1/16” and are a definite upgrade for any Stratocaster/Telecaster guitar. 

The Graph Tech PG8000-0C is built to look nearly identical to the stock 6-string saddles on these Fender guitars. However, this saddle has some massive upgrades that you will absolutely love.

One of the biggest differences is the fact that each individual saddle piece is equipped with a String Saver insert. This is made with PTFE, a non-stick material similar to Teflon and other repelling chemicals.

Having this upgrade is going to give you many benefits including a more balanced tone and extra sustain. Plus, each insert is self-lubricating, making this a fairly maintenance-free component.

Each individual saddle sports a chrome finish with a classic, representative design of Fender’s modern saddles. 

As you would expect with Fender-style 6-string saddles, each saddle has adjustment screws for string height and intonation. Longer screws are even provided specifically for those with Telecaster-style bridges.

What’s So Great About The Graph Tech PG-8000-0C String Saver Classics?

The PG-8000-0C saddle is very much worth your time if your beloved Fender is lacking in the sustain department. This saddle essentially guarantees that you’ll have more sustain than a steel saddle could provide.

Even if your guitar doesn’t have any issues, this small upgrade could breathe new life into your playing. Simply slap them into your bridge, perform the necessary setup, and you’re good to go!

Of course, the graphite-type PTFE String Saver insert provides benefits beyond sustain and balanced tone. Because it’s self-lubricating, you likely will never have to worry about a sharp edge.

We’ve all been in situations where a string breaks at the saddle for this reason, and it’s not fun. If you haven’t experienced that, consider getting this saddle so you never have to.

The PG-8000-0C is also priced fairly reasonably for an upgraded component of hardware. It’s not so cheap that it’ll be a gamble, but not too expensive that its purchase doesn’t make sense.

You could almost think of this expense as an oil change, as it costs about the same for service. However, you’d likely never have to replace your saddle again.

Item Weight: 0.882 ounces

Package Dimensions: 3.54 x 3.54 x 3.54 inches

Graph Tech PS-8863 ResoMax NV2 – Best Premium Electric Guitar Saddle

Have a guitar equipped with a Tune-O-Matic bridge that could stand to be upgraded? You won’t regret picking up the Graph Tech PS-8863 ResoMax NV2 (see price on Amazon or Sweetwater).

This saddle is built like a standard Tune-O-Matic saddle but has upgrades that will make your guitar sing. You can get this specific saddle in a few different color options, including:

• Black Nickel
• Gold
• Chrome
• Nickel

Whatever your color choice may be, the features will be consistent amongst each. This essentially allows you to customize your hardware the way you wish.

Like most Tune-O-Matic saddle systems, the PS-8863 sits atop 2 different posts connecting to the guitar. This saddle comes with the posts, so you won’t need to source them yourself.

One unique thing about the PS-8863 is that it has an auto-locking feature. This is to ensure your saddle doesn’t come off of the guitar when it is without strings. 

Perhaps the biggest upgrade with this saddle is that each individual saddle features a String Saver insert. This is made from a graphite-type material coated with PTFE.

Your Tune-O-Matic will certainly add far more resonant sustain to your guitar’s tone. Not to mention, the metal is made with Graph Tech’s ResoMax alloy for increased tonal capabilities. 

This saddle is rated to have a string spacing of 2” and supports a radius of 12”. 

What’s So Great About The Graph Tech PS-8863 ResoMax NV2?

If you hate how your saddle falls off of the mounting posts when changing strings, the PS-8863 is for you. This is such a common occurrence, and it tends to cause guitarists to reinstall their saddles backward.

The PS-8863 aims to remedy that with its locking feature, which should be a stock feature on manufactured guitars. There’s nothing worse than seeing your saddle take a tumble onto your guitar’s finish.

This saddle’s upgraded saddle pieces are the star of the story here. You’ll remedy broken strings and bad tuning stability immediately thanks to its self-lubricating function.

Let’s not forget the increased sustain factor that comes with this saddle. Your guitar might just play like a completely different animal after this saddle is installed.

Plus, it comes in different colors so that you can properly match the rest of the hardware on your guitar.

Sure, this saddle might be the most expensive saddle on this entire list. However, it is still relatively affordable compared to most guitar-related items. 

A small upgrade like this is well worth the price considering the massive benefits you’ll be reaping. This will only add to your playing experience at levels of value that can’t be measured.

Item Weight: 0.32 ounces

Package Dimensions: 7.28 x 5.12 x 1.18 inches

SAPHUE Strat/Tele Saddle – Best Budget Electric Guitar Saddle

On a seriously tight budget but need a pinch solution for your beloved Stratocaster or Telecaster? You’ll want to check out the SAPHUE Strat/Tele Saddle.

This saddle from SAPHUE is built to resemble the classic block-style saddles of Fender’s guitars. It is rated to have a 2-1/16” string spacing, comparable to many standard Stratocaster and Telecaster guitars.

Each saddle is made of Zinc alloy and comes in a number of different color options, including:

• Chrome
• Gold
• Black

As you would expect from Fender-style saddles, this saddle has adjustments for intonation and string height. This includes a horizontal screw (intonation) and 2 vertical screws.

Also included with this offering from SAPHUE is an Allen wrench to adjust the string height screws.

What’s So Great About The SAPHUE Strat/Tele Saddle?

You’ve probably thought to yourself that this saddle doesn’t have anything special about it. And, you’d be correct, except, that is what is special about it.

With this saddle, you get exactly what’s advertised. Nothing fancy, just a 6-string saddle to get the job done.

At the end of the day, sometimes all that matters is that everything is working. When you factor in this extremely low price, it provides an unbeatable value.

Sure, it might be a saddle crafted by an unknown Chinese manufacturer that isn’t well-known in the guitar industry. However, you’ll be able to attain a viable solution without shelling out extra coinage for a name brand. 

These certainly aren’t going to be the best saddles you’ve ever used in your entire life. In fact, they might not even be a long-term solution for a playable guitar.

But, if you need a saddle immediately and are short on funds, this SAPHUE saddle will work in a pinch.

Item Weight: 1.58 ounces

Package Dimensions: 6.25 x 3.5 x 0.35 inches

Graph Tech PG-8000-F0

Looking for an upgraded saddle for your vintage-spec Telecaster or Stratocaster? The Graph Tech PG-8000-F0 (see price on Amazon or Sweetwater) might be worth your time to check out.

This saddle is comprised of stainless steel to provide the very best in long-term durability. Rust and corrosion will be a thing of the past with this offering from Graph Tech.

The saddle has a 2-3/16” string spacing with all of the hallmark features of a traditional Fender saddle. This includes the horizontal intonation screw and the dual-screw string height adjustment function.

Perhaps the best thing about the PG-8000-F0 is that each saddle is equipped with a String Saver insert. Like other saddles on this list, these String Savers are made with a PTFE coating.

So, not only will your saddle self-lubricate, it will help to increase tuning stability and the guitar’s sustain. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about breaking strings due to sharp saddle edges.

The PG-8000-F0 is certainly an upgrade worthy of your beloved Stratocaster or Telecaster. Graph Tech even provides a longer set of intonation screws to accommodate a Telecaster bridge.

Also included with the Graph Tech PG-8000-F0 is an Allen wrench for string height adjustments.

Overall, this might be a fairly pricey saddle, but its features make it worth the cost. You can be sure that this saddle will only add to your playing experience while subtracting the lesser-desired aspects.

Because of its construction, the untrained eye won’t even be able to tell that it’s a non-stock saddle.

Item Weight: 0.32 ounces

Package Dimensions: 3.54 x 3.54 x 3.54 inches

Graph Tech PS-8108-00

Experiencing the dread commonly associated with Jazzmaster, Jaguar, and Mustang guitars? The Graph Tech PS-8108-00 (see price on Amazon or Sweetwater) is the perfect solution for you.

This saddle will likely solve any issues related to strings jumping out of the saddles. You’ll also have excellent tuning stability and resonance with this upgrade.

For starters, each individual saddle consists of Graph Tech’s String Saver material. This is crafted with PFTE to provide a self-lubrication function to each saddle.

Because the entire saddle is made of this material, this will be a viable long-term solution. Saddle corrosion caused by sweat and humidity will be a thing of the past.

You’re going to love how balanced your tone sounds once these saddles are on your guitar. They’ve been proven to provide a balanced response with regard to the frequencies emanating from a resonating string.

Many people have found this saddle to provide the problem-solving solutions they’ve been seeking. Some have even stated that the saddles provide more string height possibilities.

For Squiers, the PS-8108-00 can be the ideal upgrade to making your guitar play like a high-quality instrument. Be sure to seek this out before dropping a wad of cash on a far more expensive option.

That brings us to the price. On the whole, the PS-8108-00 is priced at a point where this saddle provides an incredible value.

Item Weight: 0.882 ounces

Package Dimensions: 3.54 x 3.54 x 3.54 inches

WD Custom Roller Tune-O-Matic

Do you have a Bigsby vibrato (or another similar vibrato system) on your guitar? Tune-O-Matic systems can sometimes pose a bit of a problem with tuning stability and string breakage.

Sound familiar? If so, be sure to check out the WD Custom Roller Tune-O-Matic.

This saddle is essentially installed just the same as your standard Tune-O-Matic saddle. If you’re missing the studs, have no worry, because this saddle comes with everything you need.

What makes this saddle so special?

The WD Custom Roller Tune-O-Matic has a notched roller for each individual string saddle. This allows the string to avoid sharp edges during vibrato use.

Essentially, this saddle will allow you to use your vibrato without any tuning issues or string breakage. The roll-over saddle provides the perfect fulcrum for the force applied during vibrato use.

Plus, this saddle locks onto the saddle posts, so you won’t have to deal with the saddle falling off. 

Just like a traditional Tune-O-Matic, you’ll adjust the string height accordingly with each saddle post. The intonation is adjusted with its own adjustment screw, for which WD Custom has provided an Allen wrench.

Aesthetically, this doesn’t have the traditional look of a standard Tune-O-Matic saddle. But, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing by any means.

Overall, this saddle is priced affordably and would make a worthwhile investment for the right guitarist. It’s nothing special, but it’s unique enough to make a difference on a guitar equipped with a vibrato.

Item Weight: 1.6 ounces

Package Dimensions: 5 x 3.8 x 0.3 inches

KAISH Tune-O-Matic 

Searching for a roller-equipped Tune-O-Matic with a more traditional design? Look no further than the KAISH Tune-O-Matic. 

This is specifically ideal for those using Bigsby vibratos and other vibrato systems. However, just about any Tune-O-Matic-equipped guitar can benefit from this saddle from KAISH.

The entire package consists of a saddle and 2 posts, which are all made of Zinc alloy. You can choose to get the KAISH Tune-O-Matic in a number of colors, including:

• Chrome
• Gold
• Black

This saddle has 6.3mm post holes that are designed to fit with any 6mm Tune-O-Matic saddle post. The string spacing on this saddle measures 52mm.

What this saddle really has going for it is the individual roller-style string saddles. These can be adjusted for intonation just like your regular Tune-O-Matic saddle.

However, because each saddle is a roller, it provides an optimum fulcrum for vibrato use. You’re not going to have to deal with any rattling coming from the saddle, and your tuning stability should increase.

What’s even better is that the KAISH Tune-O-Matic is priced at a very reasonable and affordable price. This is a definite go-to solution for somebody that needs a saddle for a quick fix.

Will this be a long-term solution? Maybe not, but it really depends on what your specific needs are and how much you are playing.

A seasoned professional relying on their instruments on-stage might not want to take the gamble. However, a hobbyist can feel safe with this saddle equipped on their guitar.

Item Weight: 1.5 ounces

Package Dimensions: 4.2 x 2.3 x 0.06 inches

Guyker Tune-O-Matic 

Have a guitar with a Tune-O-Matic post spacing of 73.9mm? It can be quite difficult to find an exact replacement for a Tune-O-Matic saddle.

Fortunately, you can now put an end to your long and never-ending search. The Guyker Tune-O-Matic is exactly the saddle you’ve been looking for.

This saddle has been a reportedly successful solution for guitars made by Gibson and Epiphone. These include such guitars as the Dot, ES-335, Les Paul, and the SG.

What’s so special about the Guyker Tune-O-Matic? This bridge is equipped with roller-style string saddles. 

Whether you’re using a vibrato system or not, you can be sure you’ll reap the benefits. These include increased sustain, better tuning stability, and a decreased number of broken strings.

Who can argue with that?

As mentioned previously, this has a post spacing of 73.9mm with a string spacing of 10.5mm. The pair of studs comes included with the Tune-O-Matic.

You can get this package in a number of different colors, including:

• Chrome
• Black
• Gold

One thing to note is that each color option has grey steel-colored saddles. This could look a little tacky to some guitarists who care about such small matters.

Aside from this, the Guyker Tune-O-Matic has the full appeal of a traditional Tune-O-Matic. It even comes with a locking function to prevent the bridge from coming off of the post!

Item Weight: 3.52 ounces

Package Dimensions: 4.88 x 4.45 x 0.63 inches

Best Acoustic Guitar Saddles

Graph Tech PQ-9110-C0 Tusq – Best Acoustic Saddle Overall

Does your acoustic guitar lack quite a bit of depth in the sustain department? The Graph Tech PQ-9110-C0 Tusq saddle (see price on Amazon or Sweetwater) is sure to give your guitar new life.

As its name suggests, this saddle from Graph Tech is crafted from Tusq. This is a synthetic material that closely resembles the sustain characteristics of bone and ivory.

However, because it is synthetic, it means this saddle is far more humane to have on your guitar. No animal had to die for your strings to vibrate here.

Even if you’re not too concerned about environmental issues, you’ll absolutely love this saddle. Your guitar is sure to ring out far longer than it ever had before.

What will also be surprising is how articulate your entire range of notes will sound. Each frequency level seems to be enhanced when equipping this saddle to an acoustic guitar.

The saddle itself has already been compensated. Not sure what this means?

Compensation essentially means that it has been pre-formed to accommodate each string. You will, of course, need to set the notches yourself.

What’s So Great About The Graph Tech PQ-9110-C0 Tusq?

This saddle from Graph Tech is essentially what the majority of high-quality guitar manufacturers are using. In disbelief of this statement?

If so, take a look at nearly any Martin acoustic guitar and you’ll see that compensated Tusq is frequently used. The same can be said for almost any other type of acoustic manufacturer.

Why is this? The reason is fairly simple.

Sound tests have proven Tusq to be far superior to traditional bone saddles in almost every categorical way. Better sustain, response, articulation, and tone are just some of the benefits of this saddle.

The fact that it's purely synthetic is a massive plus, especially for the eco-minded. It is products like these that make traditional methods outdated.

Another massive plus is the fact that Graph Tech provides extra material to ensure you can get the proper fit. Of course, this does require a little bit of work on your part.

However, with that being said, the PQ-9110-C0 Tusq won’t crack or chip when being worked on with a file. These kinds of frustrations won’t even be a concern here.

Tusq has also been proven to be free from dead spots, ensuring that the saddle is consistent through and through.

Best of all, the PQ-9110-C0 Tusq is extremely affordable for just about any budget. Even if you make a mistake in installation, another can be had without breaking the bank.

Item Weight: 0.16 ounces

Package Dimensions: 5.31 x 5 x 0.75 inches

MacNichol Bone Saddle – Best Premium Acoustic Saddle

Are you a fan of old traditional build methods and prefer to have a bone saddle? The MacNichol Bone Saddle is exactly what you’ve been looking for.

This bone saddle has been specifically crafted to fit nearly any Yamaha acoustic from the last 20 years. As such, it can serve as the perfect upgrade for a budget guitar.

The saddle itself measures to have a length of 75mm, with a 10mm height, and a 3.1mm thickness. It has a radius set to 16”, which is mostly in line with typical Yamaha acoustics.

You should expect to put a little work in with this saddle for the exact fit and proper setup. MacNichol has provided sandpaper with the saddle exactly for this purpose.

To make things a bit easier for you, this bone saddle does come compensated. 

Guitarists are known to have their own specific aesthetic tastes. You’ll be happy to know you can get this saddle in either:

• Bleached
• Unbleached

What’s So Great About The MacNichol Bone Saddle?

With advancements in technology, materials made from bone are becoming increasingly rare. However, there is something to be said about having bone-based hardware.

For centuries, bone has been the go-to material as it was found to be the best platform for string vibration. Compared to other materials, strings would vibrate far longer with bone.

That might be a different story today with the various other materials available. However, you can be sure that you’ll have ample sustain with this bone saddle.

Many guitarists who have opted to use this saddle have found it to be surprisingly worthwhile. Which, at the end of the day, is exactly what you want to hear.

Item Weight: 0.634 ounces

Package Dimensions: 5 x 3 x 0.03 inches

mLaval General ABS Plastic – Best Budget Acoustic Saddle

It’s certainly no secret that acoustic guitars tend to use plastic nuts and saddles. Even some high-priced models seem to be sporting these components.

If you’re on a tight budget and need a saddle, the mLaval General ABS Plastic Saddle is just for you.

This saddle is compensated for your convenience. All you need to do is shape it to fit your guitar (if necessary) and slot the strings.

The saddle measures to have a 72mm length, a 9mm height, and a 3mm thickness. It comes in a sleek black color that is sure to look sharp on the right bridge.

What’s So Great About The mLaval General ABS Plastic?

There isn’t much to this saddle by any means. After all, it is a saddle made out of ABS plastic.

Sure, you won’t get the sustain benefits as you would from Tusq or bone. But, if you’re on a serious budget, this will work just fine. 

After all, even some of the most well-known guitars have been known to have ABS plastic components. Don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed if you have to use this saddle.

It’s effective, and it’s most definitely cheap.

Item Weight: 0.5 ounces

Package Dimensions: 3 x 1 x 1 inches

Best Brand For Guitar Saddles

When it comes to guitar parts, there is a multitude of companies contributing products to the space. This can make the market a difficult landscape to navigate.

For guitar saddles specifically, you might be best going with an OEM version from the manufacturer. If this isn’t an option, the following company has one of the best reputations in the industry for guitar saddles.

Graph Tech 

Graph Tech was started in the 1980s during the hunt for solutions to common guitar performance problems. What started as a small quest ended up redefining the entire guitar industry to what it is today.

This company is the leading producer of guitar components such as nuts and saddles. Its products are used exclusively by manufacturers including Martin, Fender, Epiphone, Gibson, and many, many more.

The proof of Graph Tech’s reputation is really in the details. This company has over 50 patents for its unique and groundbreaking designs.

Top Guitar Saddles, Final Thoughts

If you have a guitar that seems to be lacking that little bit of extra magic, consider a new saddle. These are relatively easy to install and can make you fall back in love with your instrument.

It can sometimes feel like a wild goose chase trying to track down the right saddle for a guitar. Be sure to check these saddles out to cut down on your research time!