bridge orientation

[schwimbo1]

I am doing research to get builders' opinions on whether mando bridges should be tipped back slightly (as violin bridges are) so as to try to bisect the angle that the strings make when they pass over the bridge and drop down to the tailpiece. The idea is that by bisecting the angle, there will be no vector of force other than that which is aligned in the plane of the bridge, so no force will remain to push the bridge saddle towards the fingerboard (which could happen if the strings' "break angle" isn't bisected by the bridge). Some people state that mandolinists view the correct bridge attitude as being perpendicular to the top, though this is based on what "tradition" has been. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

[johnwilson]

On a similar theme: My mandolin top is quite curved at the bridge location and the top piece has a decided tilt towards the fingerboard. If I straighten the bridge pieces, the whole bridge will "lean back" as mentioned above, or I could re-shape the feet and the whole bridge will sit an odd angle to the plane of the top. Anybody got any experience or advice?

[mcarufe]

Without getting into classical physics, if it leans fowoard toward the fingerboard it is more likely to flop over during a string change and do some damage. I like to cut the feet so they lean back similar to the violin. Force should be distrubuted better that way and IMHO it sounds better.
Mike

[Mando Medic]

I too like to see the bridge lean back a little. I'm not sure I can accurately say that it is 90 degrees perpendicular to the top, but that is what I shoot for. 90 degrees at the intonation point or the contact with the feet point. It seems to put less stress on the bridge and it also seems to load the top evenly. Kenc

[Michael Lewis]

I fit my bridges to lean back toward the tail piece slightly. #The bridge saddle will still have a tendency to creep forward as the strings stretch during the tuning process. #If you actually bisect the break angle the bridge will lean a bit too far back, and the foot will have a tendency to slide forward. #Look for the happy medium between straight up and bisecting the break angle.