1928 H-1 bridge information needed

[Waltman]

Hi, I have a serial number 87024 Gibson H1 mandola that appears to have a non-original bridge. The bridge has a radiused top and no intonation features. I’d like to either modify this bridge or locate a correct style replacement. Input is welcome as well as a source for a replacement.

Thanks,
Dennis

[rcc56]

That's a rather generic style mandolin bridge that is available from supply houses for 10 or 12 bucks. They are still being made. They are not anywhere close to what we consider a standard Gibson style design.

Cumberland Acoustics makes a Gibson style mandola bridge. It can be ordered from Cumberland Acoustics or Axiom Inc. The base will have to be fitted to the instrument by a qualified repair person.

An alternative is to get a chunk of ebony and make your own saddle for the existing bridge base. If you make your own, drill the holes for the string posts with a very sharp bit before you thin your blank too much, or you might split the blank. Any of us repair persons who make guitar bridges from scratch usually have plenty of ebony pieces lying around.