Where can I get a left-handed compensated bridge, In the UK?

[Mudkipper]

So I'm a lefty, who plays guitar left-handed, and I'm looking to buy my first mandolin to play around with. If I could go back 40 years, I might tell my younger self to learn to play right handed, but from the first time I picked up a stringed instrument, I was always going to play it left-handed. Things got better when I realised I had to string it upside down as well

I'm currently eyeing up ebay, watching the swathe of right-handed mandolins pass me by, interspersed by the occasional Stagg lefty *sighs*.

I think I have an idea from all the good advise on these forums, on what the cheapest Mandolin is that would be worth looking at. My choices would be a lot better if I could convert a righty. I'm looking at A-style mandolins, and have enough practical abillity (I reckon) to change the nut, and bridge, and get the intination right, but I can't source a left-handed, compensated bridge, which most of the mandolins I'm looking at seems to be fitted with. These darned things are rotationally symettrical, so no end of flipping them will make any difference.

Any ideas? It's getting so I'm thinking about making one.

[Jim Garber]

Cumberland Acoustics will make you a lefthanded high quality bridge for a $5 surcharge.

[Mudkipper]

Thanks, I'll look at that site

[Ivan Kelsall]

Beware of the 'total' cost of importing any item from the USA. Take an ''average'' ($55 - $85) cost of a CA bridge = $70 US = £51. Add to that the shipping cost say £7 UK + UK VAT on the total, & it all adds up to a cost of around £73 + maybe a UK Post Office handling fee of £8,& it becomes pretty expensive.

Look here :- http://www.ashmandolins.co.uk/mandolin-bridges.html A ''left handed'' bridge is available,
Ivan

[Tavy]

I can make replacement ebony saddles for a much smaller fee than importing from the US.

[Jim Garber]

So sorry... I did not the the phrase at the end of the title: "In the UK?"

Yes, go with Tavy!

[Ivan Kelsall]

Very nice of you to offer Tavy,
Ivan

[RichardF]

I've had several done over the years at Tomson Guitars in Wigan. Great workmanship.

[Mudkipper]

So sorry... I did not the the phrase at the end of the title: "In the UK?"

Yes, go with Tavy!

No problem Jim. Sometimes it can be cheaper to get things from the US, but the customs are a lottery.

[Mudkipper]

I can make replacement ebony saddles for a much smaller fee than importing from the US.

Thannks for your offer, I may be in touch if I see a right handed Mandolin I like before a left-handed one comes up There are some beautiful restoration jobs shown on your FB page btw.

[Jim Garber]

No problem Jim. Sometimes it can be cheaper to get things from the US, but the customs are a lottery.

It is good that you posted your geographic location. I wish more folks would do that or at least post it in their profile show it shows up under their screen name.

[Ivan Kelsall]

Spot on Jim - Anyone asking a question really needs to specify 'where they are' in order to get a meaningful answer. Sometimes,we don't even know which continent folks are on,let alone their city / town. I always like it when other players in the UK specify where they are = i'm not alone !!,
Ivan