bridge set up

[chn]

I just bought a new adjustable ebony bridge for my arch top mando,would appreciate any tips on how to set the grooves in the bridge for the strings, and also string spacing..thanks

[Bill Snyder]

You might get more responses in the Builder/Repairs section, but what about using your current bridge to set the spacing? You will also need to fit the bridge to the top of the instrument. A good place to start is at Frank Ford's site frets.com and his tutorial on fitting a bridge. (http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Luthier/Technique/Mandolin/FitBridgeFeet/fitfeet.html)

[Milan Christi]

Last weekend I did exactly what Bill Snyder suggested and it worked like a charm. The bridge seating procedure on that site he suggested is very detailed and I found it to be foolproof. Good files,some sandpaper, a sharp knife and patience are the only ingredients you have to add. My results were terrific. I'm not ready to start building mandolins but I'm no longer afraid to try different bridges. Have fun!