adjustable bridges without thumbwheels

Hi all,

Are there any options for adjustable bridges for mandolin that don't have thumbwheels? I remember seeing one design that used an allen key to raise/lower the saddle, but I can't recall where I saw it...

Any advice gratefully received :)

I believe you're thinking of a Brekke bridge.

thank you Steve!

You might also look at Jayson Bowerman's bridges, which I believe have a small threaded insert in the saddle. I think he designed something similar for Breedlove when he was there. They look more traditional than the Brekke but have no thumbwheels.

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Originally Posted by Steve VandeWater

I believe you're thinking of a Brekke bridge.

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My OM has one of these Brekke's and I like it very much. It is really well crafted and adjusts easily. Perhaps you weren't looking for opinions on them, but I thought it might help to hear from a very happy user.

Thanks Andrew and Bob for your advice.

The new Brekke uses a nut and wrench instead of a thumb wheel and looks more like a thumb wheel bridge. From what I have heard they sound better than the original too.

There are two general styles of Brekke bridges. The original with wedges and set screws and the traditional Brekke/Weber with the knurled nut and wrench. The Original is sold through Bridger Products and the Traditional through Weber. Whether one is better than the other is, and has been, generally a matter of personal taste.

Vern Brekke
Bridger Products

Thanks Vern

Hey Sean,

It's the Original with wedges and set screws I was referring to on my OM. Looks great, works well and sounds good, too. I had the Traditional on my Weber mandolin and liked that, too. The Original is something a little different, though, and I think it's especially cool.

Thanks Bob. I have an original one on order. Looking forward to trying it out.

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Originally Posted by seankeegan

Thanks Bob. I have an original one on order. Looking forward to trying it out.

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Hi Sean, Great. Please let us know what you think of it.

Best wishes,

Bob

Hey Bob,

So finally got the bridge fitted. I'm delighted with it. The old bridge was the original, and had a small ebony splint on the underside of it to make up for the top sinkage.

The new bridge is a significant improvement in both volume and sustain. It feels just like the original, but now I can adjust the height!

Customer service was fantastic - thank you Vern.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/PWYfnuV6X6qNLUFM2

Can't seem to upload photos from my phone, but here's a link to a photo of it installed.

Hi Sean,

Can't see the pictures on my IPad but will check them later, when I am on my computer. I am glad this worked out well for you, and especially that it enhanced the volume and sustain of your instrument. Good for you!

Best wishes,

Bob