K1 mandocello bridge, 2 types?

[AndyV]

Can anyone tell me which type is correct for newly acquired K1? I don't know the year, ...serial #9734. (So I guess I'm also asking what year she is too.)

I assume the compensated is preferred.

[sunburst]

First of all, I don't know the answer, but here is some info.

-Both are compensated. The upper picture shows a bridge with the compensation cut into the top, the second shows a bridge that has inserts for each string pair, and thus is compensated.
-Gibson used both types of bridge on mandolins, depending upon year. I suspect the same might be true for mandocellos.
-The only K1 that I've had in the shop and that I took pictures of has the second type of bridge; the type with the inserts. As I said, however, it may depend upon year.
-You could use either type of bridge, or you could use an adjustable bridge. It can always be changed to the original type later if that is important to you.
-For the year, simply go to the mandolin archive (click here) and search your serial number.

[AndyV]

Thanks you John! I thought the insert in the photo was all that remained of a single, full length piece.

[AndyV]

The one with inserts is ebony/ebony?

Thanks again.

[sunburst]

The (mandolin) ones I've seen (and the one replica I made) are ebony/ebony.

[Bernie Daniel]

Can anyone tell me which type is correct for newly acquired K1? I don't know the year, ...serial #9734. (So I guess I'm also asking what year she is too.)

I assume the compensated is preferred.

Hello. I expect that with that serial number you are looking at a 1910 mandocello? (assuming you have a serial number not a factory order number?).

I had a 1907 K-1 years ago (serial# 8220) and it had a bridge like the upper one in your two photos (see pic). It was carved so as to provide compensation. I think that I have also seen early K-1s with the component bridges like the lower one you show. So either might be appropriate? Later of course after 1921 mandocello has a two piece base/saddle arrangement that looked exactly like a 3 - 4 X mandolin bridge.

[William Smith]

The ones in the pix are pre Loar era, they went to adjustable mandolin type bridges during his time at Gibson, I have an original 24 Cello bridge and guard with side clamp in the classifieds for a comparison.

[AndyV]

Hello. I expect that with that serial number you are looking at a 1910 mandocello? (assuming you have a serial number not a factory order number?).

I had a 1907 K-1 years ago (serial# 8220) and it had a bridge like the upper one in your two photos (see pic). It was carved so as to provide compensation. I think that I have also seen early K-1s with the component bridges like the lower one you show. So either might be appropriate? Later of course after 1921 mandocello has a two piece base/saddle arrangement that looked exactly like a 3 - 4 X mandolin bridge.

How can I tell if it's a serial # or a FON? Thanks.

[Bernie Daniel]

How can I tell if it's a serial # or a FON? Thanks.

If it is on the paper label it is a serial number. If it is inked stamped on the wood inside (like at the head block) it is a factory order number. I'm guessing your is penciled on the label so it's a serial. Can you post a pic of the label?

[rcc56]

The bridges with the removable ebony inserts are the earlier style. The transition to the "1 piece" bridges, which are really two pieces glued together [look one over carefully and you will see the glue line], occurred gradually around 1914 to 1916.

It is not unusual for an earlier instrument to have a later bridge. Bridges are easy to change.

[AndyV]

If it is on the paper label it is a serial number. If it is inked stamped on the wood inside (like at the head block) it is a factory order number. I'm guessing your is penciled on the label so it's a serial. Can you post a pic of the label?

[ATTACH=CONFIG]

Just yesterday I deleted a pic of the FON from my phone. I thought it was some sort of stock/batch number from the piece of wood. It looks like 1035 or maybe 1085. Does that make sence?

Thanks

[rcc56]

That instrument was made in 1910 [going by Spann's numbers], and would definitely have been shipped with the earlier type of bridge with removable inserts.

[Bernie Daniel]

That instrument was made in 1910 [going by Spann's numbers], and would definitely have been shipped with the earlier type of bridge with removable inserts.

As noted in post #6!