wilsonHSpkr - Posted - 06/06/2013:  13:54:58

Hey all!

I like to tinker with different bridge heights and weights but it's just too expensive to try out every maker and style, so I've resorted to building them! How many of you have fooled with (or followed through) with the notion of building bridges?  Any tips or interesting experiences?  Thanks in advance!

-Jordan

steve davis - Posted - 06/06/2013:  15:04:44

Cut your wood with the grain laying in flat layers.
I started making my own many years ago with maple scraps out of the firewood pile.

Ken LeVan - Posted - 06/06/2013:  15:28:38

I've posted a lot of stuff about how to make bridges.

I don't think any of it is current at this point.

It's a good idea to try making them yourself, if for no other reason, to understand what the people who make them professionally are going through to get the proper material, etc.

I've made my own bridges for 50 years, and as far as making them for anyone else goes, it's a thankless job.  Been there, done that - no T-shirt.

Ken

steve davis - Posted - 06/06/2013:  15:34:01

I've always put a bit of art into mine.Makes it more interesting for me,I suppose.

		two tenors

rudy - Posted - 06/06/2013:  15:38:25

I just shot 40 photos for the bridge-making sequence in the Workingperson's 11 construction guide.  There are only about 500 of us here on the hangout that make bridges, jump in!

It's not difficult, and everyone has their own recipe to throw in the mix.  Here's the finished bridge from the photo sequence:

Edited by - rudy on 06/06/2013 15:39:48

championofnorthhuron - Posted - 06/06/2013:  15:51:17

Here's a couple of mine. I like the solid foot design.

Vertical Grain, Wenge

Vertical Grain, Spalted Apple

Dan Drabek - Posted - 06/06/2013:  15:58:08

Something I've always intended to try, but have never gotten around to doing...was to make a segmented banjo bridge where each string is independently supported by it's own bridge--like you see on a Japanese koto. Side slippage might be a problem. It would require making a matching tailpiece that was wide enough to eliminate any converging of the strings. I'm curious as to how it would affect the sound, since the vibrations wouldn't be restricted by neighboring strings. Plus, you could compensate your bridge very easily. I imagine, like everything else, it's been tried many times, and discarded.

DD

kmwaters - Posted - 06/06/2013:  16:59:10

With guys like Steve Davis around I have no desire to even try.

xnavyguy - Posted - 06/06/2013:  17:11:50

quote:

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Originally posted by Dan Drabek

 

Something I've always intended to try, but have never gotten around to doing...was to make a segmented banjo bridge where each string is independently supported by it's own bridge--like you see on a Japanese koto. Side slippage might be a problem. It would require making a matching tailpiece that was wide enough to eliminate any converging of the strings. I'm curious as to how it would affect the sound, since the vibrations wouldn't be restricted by neighboring strings. Plus, you could compensate your bridge very easily. I imagine, like everything else, it's been tried many times, and discarded.

DD

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The little feller in the attached is a VERY powerful bridge.  Too powerful, in fact.  It was so sensitive, the pick squeaks were overpowering.  Might work well on a constipated banjo.

5 Bridge Bridge

wilsonHSpkr - Posted - 06/07/2013:  00:22:22

Thanks guys, great thoughts. Just went out and bought some various wood scraps; time to get crackin'!