Surface skimming bulk waves (SSBW) are considered to be suitable for high frequency applications because of their high phase velocity. We analyzed these waves taking into account electrical and mechanical loading effects of interdigital electrodes. Calculated and experimental results indicate that these waves should be treated as SH-type surface acoustic waves or Love waves. A 1.6 GHz SH-type SAW timing filter was developed for optical fiber transmission systems. The insertion loss was less than 12 dB, loaded Q was more than 800 and good temperature stability was obtained.