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 ARCHIVED TOPIC: Bridge for use with Nylgut/nylon strings


Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/407309

superfallingstar - Posted - 02/12/2026:  12:37:47

Hi! I'm looking for a new bridge for my Deering Goodtime with Nylgut strings. I've heard one should get an all maple bridge (or at least some type of wood, that doesn't have an ebony cap). Do y'all have any recommendations? I've seen a similar forum post or two, but many of the suggestions are folks who have retired or are no longer active. Happy to by from a seller or somewhere else online. Thanks so much!

Nathan Stinnette - Posted - 02/12/2026:  13:04:04

Joel Hooks sells them on banjothimble.com/ and you can also order from Clifford Essex in the UK.

trapdoor2 - Posted - 02/12/2026:  13:11:46

It doesn't really matter all that much. Nylon/nylgut can be a little louder/sharper with a lighter bridge, but it isn't mandatory. Because nylon/nylgut is softer than steel, the bridge doesn't need to be reinforced...I have used pine, basswood and poplar...they all work.

IOW, if ebony capped is available, use it. Plain maple will be a gram or two lighter. In a jam, you'll never notice.

pinenut - Posted - 02/12/2026:  15:24:35

Any simple one piece construction with two legs is going to work well.  Happiness.



A few minutes on the belt sander with an old piece of lathe&plaster gets it dun.  An average to wide base is good; nylon strings let the bridge kick around quite a bit with stroke styles and nobody likes a tippy bridge.  Angle for trim and light; chunky/heavy bridges noticeably reduce the volume and tone.  Find a balance that suits you.



These are decent and play well with the old style narrow spacing.  



https://www.ebay.com/itm/200658557682?chn=ps&mkevt=1&mkcid=28&google_free_listing_action=view_item&srsltid=AfmBOophrJls5iHOw8iINNWS41wR8s94nvpuBDGLgOhtV7DWKmAlha-xerQ



Two more examples of good bridges for nylon strings.  I have made the 'utility knife' type and they work well.



https://www.banjohangout.org/classified/18499  https://www.banjohangout.org/classified/112671



Picture 4 of 4



 

Edited by - pinenut on 02/12/2026 15:27:31

mikehalloran - Posted - 02/13/2026:  11:31:34

quote:
Originally posted by pinenut

…



These are decent and play well with the old style narrow spacing.  



https://www.ebay.com/itm/200658557682?chn=ps&mkevt=1&mkcid=28&google_free_listing_action=view_item&srsltid=AfmBOophrJls5iHOw8iINNWS41wR8s94nvpuBDGLgOhtV7DWKmAlha-xerQ



 



Picture 4 of 4



 





Sorry, I can't agree on the "play well" description. Those in the picture are old Kay banjo bridges. I have a few, 4 and 5 string, all removed from 1950s–1960s Kays. 



While I agree that thin plain maple bridges are ideal for nylon and NylGut, these are too soft and thick.  I've had many chances to A/B these bridge shaped objects with ones that are much better built and sound a whole lot better.



Anyway, I contacted the seller and let him know his "German" bridges were actually made in Chicago. He mentions that they were wrapped in a paper with a 1968 date. Kay went bankrupt in 1968 and liquidated the assets in a series of auctions that year so that makes sense.

Edited by - mikehalloran on 02/13/2026 11:44:13

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