Yamaha JR1 guitar to octave conversion

[WoMando]

Just acquired a used Yamaha JR1 for a conversion project. I have been scanning the archives for pointers. Am looking at using the existing bridge and pins so that I don't have to make a new bridge, something that is probably above my skill and confidence levels.

Any advice/suggestions would be appreciated. Also am wondering how similar conversions have held up after a few years.

Oh, any suggestions for string gauges?

Many thanks!

[fox]

I thought up a very easy method for the bridge but narrowing the neck is always the tricky bit!
Unfortunately all my photo bucket pictures are no longer available on this forum but I found this one of the bridge.

[WoMando]

I was hoping you would chime in. I had found that picture and had decided to leave the bridge intact.

I know there had been talk of reinforcing the bridge plate with a formica overlay. Do you think it is necessary with your bridge configuration?

Oh, BTW, I don't think it will be necessary to modify the neck on the JR1. It is a 3/4 size and not particularly wide.

[NotMelloCello]

I stole that idea and used it to convert a parlor guitar to a mountain dulcimer. It was easy to do, and works well. Plus, it's reversible. If I wanted to restring as a guitar, I can.

[fox]

Well I am happy other folk can have fun with the method
I use strings that don’t exceed the original guitar rating, that will be around 175lb for most 25” scale steel string guitars.
I am not familiar with the particular guitar you mention, it seems most short scale six strings use standard guitar string sets so they won’t be under the same tension but most guitars are very overbuilt so I would not worry to much!
That particular guitar in my picture is still going strong & I have done quite a few others, I have not had any comeback so I guess they are fine too....