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View Full Version : Bridge recomendations for an octave mando



pickinBob
Dec-19-2004, 12:38am
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 (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=8;t=20631)

Thanks kind folks

John Bertotti
Dec-19-2004, 8:24am
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 http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

pickinBob
Dec-19-2004, 9:29am
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
Dec-19-2004, 4:39pm
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
Dec-22-2004, 9:24pm
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]