loar bridge/string break angle

[bryce]

I have never had the chance to really study a Loar signed mandolin. I do try to go over all the mandolins I come into contact with, an I tend to see a fair degree of difference in the angle of the strings across the bridges due to different neck angles, etc... I would like to ask the people who own or have access to Loars at what degree of angle do the strings cross the bridge? Not to start too broad a thread, but my concern is top load. If my thinking is right, the greater the angle the greater the pressure. And it seems to reason that since these great mandolins sound so good and have physically withstood the test of time that this is a good place to start. Thanks in advance,
Bryce

[Antlurz]

I think it would be very instructive if a chart was available that would give the actual loading rate of the strings on the plate at various angles.

Ron

[sunburst]

Here you go, Ron, courtesy of Andrew Mowry. Click on 'downloads'.
http://mowrystrings.com/

[Antlurz]

Thanks, John. Now all I need to do is get Excel on the pooter. Even without it, I can still get a good idea of "normal"

Ron

[bryce]

If anyone knows the string angle on the Loars I would Greatly appreciate it. I was not able to use the other info. Thanks Bryce

[bryce]

WOW For some reason I was sure someone would know this. But then I didn't. Bryce

[Michael Lewis]

Bryce, that angle varies from instrument to instrument but generally is between 11 and 15 degrees. You need to consider the height of your top arch, the overstand of the neck and the bridge height. The tailpiece is usually in the same place all the time if you use the traditional style. Generally the bridge will be from 3/4" to 1" high. Lower that that you loose downward force of the bridge, and higher than that you risk damage from excessive downward force.

[bryce]

Michael, Thanks. I've been setting them anywhere from 14 to about 17 degrees. Looking at the loar plans that I have and loar info that was posted on another thread, loar tops seem to run a little thinner than my tops.(backs as well) My thought was to mabye decrease the break angle slightly and thin the top down a little. I was wondering if this would benifit the tone. Everyone seems to like tone/volume I'm getting now so I don't want to open up a can of sunken top worms, It just seems those tops are awful thin. At least near the fholes. And they have held up very well. Again thanks for the reply. Bryce

[siminoff]

String break anle on original F5s was intended for 16°, but was entirely dependent on desired action and resultant bridge height. I'm trying to attach a side-view photo - let's see if this works: /Users/rogersim/Desktop/SB angle-F5.JPG

Roger Siminoff

[Antlurz]

Roger...

If you are posting on the "Quick Reply", you need instead to look above it and to the right and you'll see an "add reply" button, use that to type your message, and then below *that* message box you will see a section for uploading your attachment.

Ron

[siminoff]

Okay, let's try this...
Roger Siminoff