The break angle is the angle a string on a classical or flamenco guitar makes as it passes over the saddle.
The saddle is the route through which the vibrations of the string are transferred to the soundboard. It is central to tone production and volume.
If the angle is shallow there is less downward force exerted by the string on the saddle and hence reduced transmission.
A steeper angle makes for more efficient transfer.
However, too steep an angle and the string is subject to excessive wear and will be more prone to fray and snap.
In practice there is a range between about 15 degress and 45 degrees where the best compromise is found.
On most classical and flamenco guitars, the angle varies from shallower for the treble strings to steeper for the bass strings. This is because the saddle has to be higher under the bass strings in order to raise them up further from the frets as they are more prone to buzz.
The way strings are tied off at the bridge has a significant effect on break angle
TO BE CONTINUED…