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Thread: how to fix a tilted mandolin bridge ?

  1. #1

    Default how to fix a tilted mandolin bridge ?

    I have a Kentucky mandolin (from a friend) with the saddled tilted badly.
    The photo below shows that the screws that support the saddle got inserted at an angle !!!
    Click image for larger version. 

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    I like to get an opinion as to how to fix this issue.
    Buying a new one is easy but not that easy as I have to fit the bottom of the bridge to the top sound board (last resort).

    Thanks in advance for helpful idea.

  2. #2
    Confused... or?
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    Default Re: how to fix a tilted mandolin bridge ?

    Just a guess: The studs were not inserted that way, but were bent that way, since they don't even align with each other. OTOH, the far one is offset toward one side of the base, so maybe it really is that bad? You may not know the real issue without unscrewing them from the base.
    - Ed

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  3. #3
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    Default Re: how to fix a tilted mandolin bridge ?

    Best to replace it. Not too hard to fit the bridge.
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  5. #4

    Default Re: how to fix a tilted mandolin bridge ?

    you may not know the real issue without unscrewing them from the base.
    I did unscrew them and indeed they were inserted this way (holes were not drilled straigt).

  6. #5
    Adrian Minarovic
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    Default Re: how to fix a tilted mandolin bridge ?

    I fear that fitting to top will be required no matter what you do.
    I had one of KM900's for setup and found similar issue. The posts were hammered into pre-drilled slightly undersized holes and base had tiny cracks propagating from the posts. One of the posts was bent a bit. I managed to fill the holes and redrill new and cut threads. The cracks were glued with CA nad clamped tight. saddle had tiny crack at the very edge outside of the post from forcing onto skewed posts and I glued that as well.
    The fit to top was not best so I had to fit it as well.
    Adrian

  7. #6
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    Default Re: how to fix a tilted mandolin bridge ?

    If you really like that base, just plug & redrill, tap. No biggie.
    Stephen Perry

  8. #7

    Default Re: how to fix a tilted mandolin bridge ?

    Agree with above. Fill holes and redrill. Straight forward process.
    Robert Fear
    http://www.folkmusician.com

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  9. #8
    Registered User Ivan Kelsall's Avatar
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    Default Re: how to fix a tilted mandolin bridge ?

    An expensive Jazz guitar that i once owned,had a bridge that was bent that way. I removed the bridge saddle,placed the bridge base in a strong vice (vise ?),to support the sides,& simply bent the screw threads straight with a pair of pliers. Ten minutes work & it was fine. Usually the threads are only mild steel, pretty soft & easily bendable,
    Ivan
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  10. #9
    Adrian Minarovic
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    Default Re: how to fix a tilted mandolin bridge ?

    Few hours back I had such bridge on bench (cheapest o fthe cheap Stagg mandolin). After unscrewing the posts I found out the holes were drilled quite nicely, but no thread was cut and the person doing assembly just inserted the posts into the holes with two or three threads and under load they went. When I carefully threaded them in down to the botttom of the holes (3/16" deep) they hold nice and straight.
    Adrian

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  12. #10
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    Default Re: how to fix a tilted mandolin bridge ?

    Not a luthier, so take it fwiw...The guys who are luthiers are totally correct. But, if filling and redrilling scares you, you could consider sanding the base to an angle that makes the saddle correct. But, I think that would be harder than the fixes suggested or just getting a new bridge. If it's a "new purchase," you may have some warranty and may be able to get a replacement...
    Chuck

  13. #11
    Registered User Ivan Kelsall's Avatar
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    Default Re: how to fix a tilted mandolin bridge ?

    To kkmm - Can you unscrew the threads from the base ?. If you can do this,using a pair of pliers (gently),then you may find that they are bent. You should be able to straighten them easily enough if you have something to hold them with while you use pliers to straighten them. Re. 'pliers' - always put a couple of layers of masking tape on each of the jaws to prevent screw thread damage,
    Ivan
    Weber F-5 'Fern'.
    Lebeda F-5 "Special".
    Stelling Bellflower BANJO
    Tokai - 'Tele-alike'.
    Ellis DeLuxe "A" style.

  14. #12

    Default Re: how to fix a tilted mandolin bridge ?

    One of the well thought out features of my Silverangel is that Ken drills the holes at a slight angle toward the tailpiece so the saddle leans just slightly and counteracts the pull of the strings. At first I thought it was bent, but it's designed that way.
    Silverangel A
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    1913 Gibson A-1

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    Default Re: how to fix a tilted mandolin bridge ?

    Quote Originally Posted by Br1ck View Post
    One of the well thought out features of my Silverangel is that Ken drills the holes at a slight angle toward the tailpiece so the saddle leans just slightly and counteracts the pull of the strings. At first I thought it was bent, but it's designed that way.
    I don't drill the post in off center, but I will fit the foot so the bridge slightly angles back.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

  16. #14
    formerly Philphool Phil Goodson's Avatar
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    Default Re: how to fix a tilted mandolin bridge ?

    Quote Originally Posted by pops1 View Post
    I don't drill the post in off center, but I will fit the foot so the bridge slightly angles back.
    Or how about flipping 'just the base' around so that everything leans towards the tailpiece. Then flip 'just the saddle' so that it's in the correct position. Then refit the base to the mandolin top (might not take too much) and, if needed, sand off a little more on the headstock side of the base to decrease the tailward lean if it's too much.

    Just thinking outside the box a little.
    Phil

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