visited Cumberland Acoustics last weekend

[Steve VandeWater]

Last Saturday I had the pleasure to meet Steve Smith at Cumberland Acoustics near Nashville. I bought a new CA bridge from him, as well as a nifty jig he makes for perfectly fitting the bridge to the mandolin.
I fitted the bridge last night, and the jig worked like a charm. It was much easier than trying to hold it in my fingers while rubbing it across the sandpaper as I've done in the past. Now I can't wait to restring and start playing again.
I'm just posting to say that Steve is a heck of a nice guy, great craftsman, and as precise as anyone you'll ever meet (former machinist). His shop is a very interesting place. Also while there I got to play 2 Redline Travelers and 2 A-styles that he built. They all sounded great and were fun to play.
His reputation is well deserved.

[Kalasinar]

Sounds like a wonderful experience! +1 on the jig and on superb service from Steve. When i ordered mine, Steve wrote detailed instructions for me and was an overall great support via email. Can't praise him enough for what he does, really nice guy.

[jim simpson]

I'm curious about the bridge fitting bridge. Can you post a photo of it?

[Perilous Deep]

This is the bridge fitting fixture (as Cumberland website calls it), right? It looks like the primary function is to hold the bridge steadily upright and to provide even pressure for sanding. Does that match your experience using it, Steve?

[Steve VandeWater]

This is the bridge fitting fixture (as Cumberland website calls it), right? It looks like the primary function is to hold the bridge steadily upright and to provide even pressure for sanding. Does that match your experience using it, Steve?

Yes sir. Very simple and nearly foolproof it seems