Cumberland Acoustic Bridge Review

Paul at Cumberland Acoustics recommended the non-radiused bridge; Paul shared the story of his company, and we found common ground in Nashville and surrounds. I installed the bridge on my new-to-me Loar LM-600. Along with a general setup, scoop, and fret dress, the back of my mando is now tickling my belly button with its 50%-or-more better response, the sound is both more vibrant and louder, and the bark has increased to more than acceptable levels. The factory setup was a bit weak, and this setup with bridge brought a boldness and responsiveness to the sound. At a posters recommend, .012 PB and SS every other string, which really seems to work well.

At least half the improvement I attribute to the CA Bridge. I note that the Loar top is apparently not as arched as some others, had to sand quite a bit off the outside of the feet to meet the arch of the bridge. I moderately scooped out the inside of both feet in the process.

I hope to make a video comparison of factory versus the CA bridge and my setup.

Cumberland Acoustic Mandolin Bridge for only the price of a good setup, absolutely the best investment I made.

Here’s the vid, against the 1st review with the factory bridge.
https://youtu.be/l-kOU6Utgyw
https://youtu.be/89_wDsyYuqQ

Uh, where???

Would love to see that video..

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ccravens

Would love to see that video..

---

Trying to figure out these new fangled machines to upload.
I shouldn’t follow directions.
The first review on the mando out of the box, no set up with factory bridge, second vid with the CA bridge.

https://youtu.be/89_wDsyYuqQ
https://youtu.be/l-kOU6Utgyw

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bill Romansky

Trying to figure out these new fangled machines to upload.
I shouldn’t follow directions.
The first review on the mando out of the box, no set up with factory bridge, second vid with the CA bridge.

https://youtu.be/89_wDsyYuqQ
https://youtu.be/l-kOU6Utgyw

---

That the Loar sounds so rich and full. Good playing and nicely written song.

The difference is amazing. The new bridge is a major improvement.

At a posters recommend, .012 PB and SS every other string, which really seems to work well.

Bill,
That tone is drool worthy. Would you mind naming the brand and gauge of both the phosphor bronze and stainless steel strings. I know you mentioned .012.
Thanks

D’Addario, both sets. Thanks for the encouragement, I’ve almost forgotten how to play guitar the one week I’ve been feeling mando love. Last night I went to strip the back finish off, found a heck of a lot of nitro and poly which I used stripper on and scraped, underneath something like Behlens sander sealer, which I’m keeping so I don’t have to re-sunburst. The sander sealer looks real good, is fairly thin, and I’m thinking of just hitting with either spirit or oil varnish after I do the top. Just doing the back got me another 25%, mostly mellowing the brassy weak sound out of the bass and bringing lower-mid/bass volume up. I’ll YouTube when I get the top.

Thanks for the videos!

I also love tinkering with Pac-Rim instruments to improve their tone. It's kinda fun, if you have some time.

Retired. What month are we in?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bill Romansky

D’Addario, both sets. Thanks for the encouragement, I’ve almost forgotten how to play guitar the one week I’ve been feeling mando love. Last night I went to strip the back finish off, found a heck of a lot of nitro and poly which I used stripper on and scraped, underneath something like Behlens sander sealer, which I’m keeping so I don’t have to re-sunburst. The sander sealer looks real good, is fairly thin, and I’m thinking of just hitting with either spirit or oil varnish after I do the top. Just doing the back got me another 25%, mostly mellowing the brassy weak sound out of the bass and bringing lower-mid/bass volume up. I’ll YouTube when I get the top.

---

Well you did not waste much time getting into it did you! LOL

I might suggest just getting yourself a bottle of Tru-oil and then rub on a coat or two and then stop -- the tru-oil goes on in very thin coats if you wipe it right off after application.

Looks like you rubbed it down to the wood in one spot though? Do you have any stains?

Thanks, Bernie. Yes, I have stains, I scraped through expecting to take it all off. Tru Oil, local gun store? I’m just doing 600 light buff on sides and neck, but removing the nitro and poly from the top as well. At one level, I’m glad I got a less expensive mando, fulfilling my fiddling-around dream.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bill Romansky

Thanks, Bernie. Yes, I have stains, I scraped through expecting to take it all off. Tru Oil, local gun store? I’m just doing 600 light buff on sides and neck, but removing the nitro and poly from the top as well. At one level, I’m glad I got a less expensive mando, fulfilling my fiddling-around dream.

---

Your current situation -- taking it just about to the stain is a much better plan -- it would take you months of practice to duplicate that beautiful sunburst and no need.

I think I bought Tru-Oil on eBay once -- not every hardware store carries it and in fact Rockler doesn't which is weird I think. I believe places like LMI might carry it? It is on Amazon too.

Here's the Tru-Oil that is being mentioned..

32 oz Tru-Oil on Amazon-Prime
It's mostly Linseed Oil, like what's used with resin in oil-based varnish
Do Ultra thin coats

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0052PW1EQ/

Steel Wool, 000 Extra Fine (Good for in between coats - 0000 available too)
(Try to get oil-free steel wool)
This process helps future coats bond together
Should do at least every other coat

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001JYTKCA/

Final drying/curing time may be up to 7 days

Like an oil-based varnish it is softer. If you want something harder and more protective, you could do a spirit varnish with Shellac or Seedlac

Here's a pdf on finishing wood that might be informative for you..

Thanks, treidm, I have everything here ready to go, and your timeline is a real plus. Little Jeannie and I are headed east to Philly for a cheese steak, hoagie and pretzel the end of the month, and it’ll cure out when we’re away. I really appreciate the knowledge base everyone is so willing to share on Mandolin Cafe.

You can get The Tru-Oil in the sporting good section of Wal-Mart.