Sullivan Bridges

[keymandoguy]

Posted this in wrong section so here again.. I am going to put a Sullivan bridge on my mandolin . I understand these come without the string slots. What is the proper technique for getting the slots cut right ? width, Depth, etc. I will be using J 74 strings which D string is .40 I know I need to mark the old bridge so I dont lose my setup. what is the best makeshift tools for cutting the slots? thank you http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Michael Lewis]

The best makeshift tools for notching the saddle are a couple of triangular files. One with sharp corners for the plain strings, and one with a bit of a rounded edge for the wound strings. Look at them closely when selecting them or you might get one with a burr on it or a mis shaped edge that won't cut the shape you want.