Bridge recomendations for an octave mando

[pickinBob]

I posted this in the equipment thread but cant seem to get any help. Could some one hear please give me some input?


Octave bridge thread

Thanks kind folks

[John Bertotti]

I would add a link in the builder section for this topic you'll possibly generate more replies that way. I know for the longest time that was the only section I read and still spend most of my time there. Have you tried looking through the frets.com web site. Lots of stuff there. John

[pickinBob]

At Frets.com I've found how to fit bridges and a conversion of a Martin to an octave but nothing specifically about octave bridges. I'll try the other.

[Graham McDonald]

Bob,

There isn't really a standard bridge for an octave mando. Some builders use Gibson style adjustable mando/guitar bridges like the one already on your instrument. Some use a solid bridge from ebony or rosewood and I have gone towards the Red Henry style maple bridges in the last year. It should not be too hard to buy/make/alter a few bridges of different materials and see what happens. They will all sound a little different, but it is a matter of finding the one that sounds right to you. I can send you or post a diagram with an approximate compensation layout if you want. Bridges don't take long to make and it can be fun trying new ideas

[mandroid]

A good digital tuner with a clip to attach to the bridge will help you create the piece you need, an adjustble type bridge allows you to just drill a few pieces of wood for the upper section. some needle files and some sandpaper.
not as much compensation as short mandolin scale , I would think.
the Mandola of mine has only a slight angle [askew the perpendicular to the strings]