Mandocello bridge

[AndyV]

Hi All,

Can anyone help me out with dimensions for a Gibson K1 bridge?

Many thanks!
Andy

[allenhopkins]

Here's mine, which I'm pretty sure is original

Overall length 5 1/4 inches

Saddle length 2 5/16 inches

Thickness 3/8 inch

Height including saddle, at the G string almost exactly 1 inch

Hope this helps.

[goaty76]

Early one piece or the later adjustable ones?

Phil

[AndyV]

One piece. 1908/09 I think.

[AndyV]

Thanks Allen. That's great!

[goaty76]

What do you think is the value of one of these bridges on the market?

Phil

[AndyV]

No idea. Are you selling or buying?

I'm a good way into fabricating one now.

[goaty76]

I think I have one in my parts stash. Just curious.

[AndyV]

Is that the one piece, or the non-height adjustable with saddle inserts?

If you come up with a price let me know.

Thanks.

[goaty76]

One piece. Don’t think I’m selling it right now. However if you want to PM me an offer I can’t refuse go for it. I also have a 20’s adjustable one but I’m using that for a project.

167881

167882

Phil

[AndyV]

Thanks Phil. I'll see how it goes with my attempt.

I sure could have used those photos yesterday!

[rcc56]

167881

167882

Hint-hint---

Many, if not all of these so called 1 piece bridges are actually 2 pieces!!! Inspect one carefully and you will see that a separate piece that includes the cuts for string compensation actually sits on the full thickness base.


In other words, make the upper half separately. You can make the compensation cuts with saw and chisel or file, and run the cuts right through the whole face of the upper piece. Then, glue it on the lower piece and touch up the face with a sanding block. That's how Gibson did it. It's a heck of a lot easier than trying to chisel the compensation cuts into a single piece bridge.

[AndyV]

Great to know! Now.

I'm using rosewood (I think - decades old scrap from one of my dad's projects) for one I've started on. If I decide to make one from ebony it will be so much easier.