Staining the bridge

[Steve Baker]

... affect the sound? I like the tone I get with my maple bridge but really prefer the almost black appearance of the ebony version. My guess is that a wipe-on stain shouldn't sacrifice sound quality. Am I wrong?

Thanks as always.

Steve

[Dale Ludewig]

It won't affect the sound but I'm not sure you'll like the look. Maple is extremely difficult to dye uniformly. I would suggest numerous coats of black leather dye, after making sure that there's no wax or finish on the bridge. And, of course, this would all be done with it off the mandolin! Why don't you consider getting a new ebony bridge?

[Steve Baker]

<<Why don't you consider getting a new ebony bridge?

Thanks, Dale. I wasn't as clear as I could have been. I already have an ebony bridge as well the maple. I like the way the maple one bumps the highs a bit. I have some maple lying around; perhaps I should experiment a bit. Thanks for the advice!

Steve

[Paul Hostetter]

I understand the urge for a maple bridge. Or one of other materials. that little half a percent can be really interesting. Dale's on it: leather dye on purely raw wood. But doing it off the mandolin takes all the fun and adventure away! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[sunburst]

Sharpie

[Paul Hostetter]

A whole bridge?? Hmm.