Bridges

[gnelson651]

I've been thinking I might change the bridge on my MK Legacy Deluxe. It was a $299 Musicians Friend special I bought last year and I've been disappointed in its volume and tone #I had a professional setup done to it twice, the second time solved the dead fret issue but no noticable change in tone/volume.

I'm not ready to give up on the MK although I could probably sell it for around $400 with a Travelite case. I thought I would change to an Allen tailpiece and a new bridge.

Is there a difference between the Randy Wood vs Cumberland Acoustic bridge? Would there be another combination that will get more out of the MK?

[Kevin K]

Also consider Roger Siminoff http://www.siminoff.net/pages/siminoff_parts6.bridge.html

A good strong light weight bridge properly fitted to mandolin in question can make a big difference in sound.

[Jerry Byers]

I have not used a Randy Wood bridge, but I understand it is a denser ebony. I have no complaints with the Cumberland Acoustic bridge and Steve will work with you. I put a new bridge and Allen tailpiece on my MK DFII. My next project is to replace the "plastic" nut. You might gain some tone if you put on a bone nut.

[gnelson651]

I have not used a Randy Wood bridge, but I understand it is a denser ebony. I have no complaints with the Cumberland Acoustic bridge and Steve will work with you. I put a new bridge and Allen tailpiece on my MK DFII. My next project is to replace the "plastic" nut. You might gain some tone if you put on a bone nut.
Hey thanks Jerry,

I forgot about changing the nut. Since I will have these changes done by a luthier friend, the extra cost of a nut #installation at the same time will be less than if I did them separately.