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Thread: adjustable bridges without thumbwheels

  1. #1
    Registered User seankeegan's Avatar
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    Default 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

  2. #2
    Registered User Steve VandeWater's Avatar
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    Default Re: adjustable bridges without thumbwheels

    I believe you're thinking of a Brekke bridge.
    It ain't gotta be perfect, as long as it's perfect enough!

  3. #3
    Registered User seankeegan's Avatar
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    Default Re: adjustable bridges without thumbwheels

    thank you Steve!

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    Registered User amowry's Avatar
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    Default Re: adjustable bridges without thumbwheels

    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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  6. #5
    Barn Cat Mandolins Bob Clark's Avatar
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    Default Re: adjustable bridges without thumbwheels

    Quote Originally Posted by Steve VandeWater View Post
    I believe you're thinking of a Brekke bridge.
    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.
    Purr more, hiss less. Barn Cat Mandolins Photo Album

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  8. #6
    Registered User seankeegan's Avatar
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    Default Re: adjustable bridges without thumbwheels

    Thanks Andrew and Bob for your advice.

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    Default Re: adjustable bridges without thumbwheels

    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.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

  10. #8
    Bridger Products
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    Default Re: adjustable bridges without thumbwheels

    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

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  12. #9
    Registered User seankeegan's Avatar
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    Default Re: adjustable bridges without thumbwheels

    Thanks Vern

  13. #10
    Barn Cat Mandolins Bob Clark's Avatar
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    Default Re: adjustable bridges without thumbwheels

    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.
    Purr more, hiss less. Barn Cat Mandolins Photo Album

  14. #11
    Registered User seankeegan's Avatar
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    Default Re: adjustable bridges without thumbwheels

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

  15. #12
    Barn Cat Mandolins Bob Clark's Avatar
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    Default Re: adjustable bridges without thumbwheels

    Quote Originally Posted by seankeegan View Post
    Thanks Bob. I have an original one on order. Looking forward to trying it out.
    Hi Sean, Great. Please let us know what you think of it.

    Best wishes,

    Bob
    Purr more, hiss less. Barn Cat Mandolins Photo Album

  16. #13
    Registered User seankeegan's Avatar
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    Default Re: adjustable bridges without thumbwheels

    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.

  17. #14
    Registered User seankeegan's Avatar
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    Default Re: adjustable bridges without thumbwheels

    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.

  18. #15
    Barn Cat Mandolins Bob Clark's Avatar
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    Default Re: adjustable bridges without thumbwheels

    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
    Purr more, hiss less. Barn Cat Mandolins Photo Album

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