I've noted on many/most reso guitars that not only is the bridge "movable" (in that you can rotate it to give you a bit of compensation), but the cones are often movable, too. Make sure the cone is set as far back as possible in its well, and you can gain 1/8" or so in intonation. Of course, it might have to move forward -- you didn't say which way it was out. I'm not sure that moving the slot in the biscuit off-center is that much of a hindrance to tone, either. Or, if the cone is screwed onto the biscuit, loosen the screw and move the biscuit in the proper direction. You may need to fill the screw-hole, though, since the screw will tend to slip into the old hole. Or drill a new pilot hole for same. And yes, replacing the saddle is a pain, but if that softwood saddle has sagged forward that much, it's pretty well necessary, I'd say.

So, in all, here's what I'd try:

Replace the saddle, on-center. The saggy piece of cheap wood you have there can't be salvaged.
Move the cone. If there seems to be a lot of slack, I'd hope that this, and a new saddle that won't warp, will be enough.

If the cone+new saddle aren't enough yet, try repositioning the biscuit. Now, if it's glued in place, this becomes a non-trivial matter. If this is the case, I'm not sure what to advise you to do.

Last possibility -- buy a new Quarterman cone and biscuit from Stewart MacDonald and build a good guitar round those.


Bob Clayton