Which bridge?

[Charlie Bernstein]

I bought an old oval-A Gibson Junior recently. It needs a bridge. I'm thinking of either a Stewmac or a Cumberland Acoustics.

There's a big price difference. Is there a big sound difference?

Thanks!

cb

[Bill McCall]

I would think fit is the most important factor. But there are folks who can tell the difference in tone from Gaboon ebony to Malagasy ebony

[Charles E.]

Steve at Cumberland Acoustics makes a great bridge and is a pleasure to work with. I have had no problem spending a bit more for his bridges.
Steve also offers a wider range of bridge heights and saddle configurations, depending on what your mandolin might need.

[Vernon Hughes]

Cumberland acoustics.

[Charlie Bernstein]

Thanks, gang! That helps.

[Rob Roy]

My experience with Cumberland bridges is that, compared to cheaper brands, the Cumberland produces stronger notes in the trebles and better note definition all across the board. That may or may not be what you want for that old mando

[Dave Richard]

Cumberland makes a great bridge, I’ve installed them for customers. On my own ‘21 Gibson A, to save a few dollars, I installed the Stewmac bridge. It works just fine.

[B381]

I too am looking at a Cumberland Acoustics bridge. I recently got this Eastman 305. The action is low and it plays/sounds great but the height of the saddle kinda worries me. I emailed him and asked opinion, hope for a response soon.

[Mike Buesseler]

My fingers get sore just looking at those knurled nuts! Why don’t they use hex nuts like Vern Brekke does? (Another choice for you—Brekke traditional. You can adjust next nuts while strung up.)

[pops1]

I adjust all of my bridges while strung up, I don't have a Brekke. They are good bridges all, the most important is the fit pf the bridge.