A stringed instrument can utilize a bridge assembly that allows for efficient and accurate adjustment of a saddle relative to an instrument body. The instrument body physically supports a bridge base beneath a plurality of strings with the bridge base constructed with a groove in which a tone plate and saddle are each positioned. The saddle may have an articulation mechanism positioned wholly outside of an areal extent of the plurality of strings while contacting the saddle. The articulation mechanism can contact the tone plate to support the saddle during movement of at least one of the plurality of strings.