Daniel Smith mandolin bridges

[Fretbear]

Where does one see or purchase Daniel Smith mandolin bridges? I have done lots of searches, and have turned up the name, but that is all; Alan Bibey endorses them, and I have a fantastic custom bridge from Steve Smith at Cumberland Acoustic, but I don't think they are related. Anybody?

[AlanN]

He's in Blacksburg, VA, prolly in the phone book.

[Clamdigger]

Fretbear: I got one of his bridges three years ago. He works at Virginia Tech. try smithdm@vt.edu

[Fretbear]

Thanks guys...

[Amandalyn]

What is the significance/ differences in a Daniel Smith bridge?

[Flowerpot]

Daniel makes (or used to make) straight copies of Loar-era bridges. His bridges are excellent quality, and I know he used to machine the thumbwheels himself. I've used his bridges and loved them, but there are many sources of Loar-copy bridges out there now.

Steve Smith makes a killer loar replica bridge.

[mandoJeremy]

I agree Mav. My first really good bridge was a Dan Smith and I am now hooked on Steve's. You remember that Tony used Dan's bridges? They seemed to be just a little heavier as far as mass compared to other Loar repos.

Yeah MandoJeremy same here Dan's was my first really good bridge that I found..

I actually introduced Tony to Dan's bridges. Back then Dans Bridges were about the only good loar replica out there.

[GTison]

... I was gonna ask for the comparison also. What's the differences between.
First Quality
Randy Wood
Daniel Smith
Steve Smith
Darryl wolf

[mandoJeremy]

I have tried all of those except Darryl's and they are all great bridges. I do think the RW doesn't hold down the bass end like Steve's and Dan's. FQ's is also quite nice but still in the same league as the RW to me.

[Darryl Wolfe]

Dan is the "original". He made bridges for me in the late '80's and continued to supply me with wheels after I started making my own.
Randy now supplies me with wheels. I really don't think you will find much difference between Dans, Steves, Randy's and mine. I think Randy's may not be quite as heavy (wide). Dan likely machines the cleanest saddle. The saddle is difficult to make and a variety of methods can be employed. (I use a modified key machine). Randy has the most accurate wheels, I have the most accurate Patent Stamp. Probably the biggest difference is "who has the best ebony" at any given time. I won't comment on the FQ

[sunburst]

Good post Darryl. That's about as objective as a bridge maker can get.

So far I'm only familiar with FQ and Dan Smith. I talked to Dan at Galax for a while. He is just tired of mandolin bridges and is moving on to other projects with renewed interest.

I was worried for a while, it's good to know I can still get comparable bridges when my supply runs out.

[Darryl Wolfe]

Thanks Sunburst. I had to put some thought into that one

[GTison]

Does FQ supply Gibson? Now or in the past?

I've noticed alot of sound differences in the saddle. ( but then again I havn't changed the base ) What characteristics does the best quality ebony exhibit. How do you tell by looking?

[GTison]

sorry D , 'forgot the "e"

[mandoJeremy]

Steve Smith makes the bridges for Gibson now and I don't know about the past.