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Classical bridge weight ? http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=22175 |
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Author: | Geordie Adams [ Wed Apr 29, 2009 3:14 pm ] |
Post subject: | Classical bridge weight ? |
hi all what would the optimum bridge weight to aim for on a spruce top / fan braced classical, it’s Madagascar rosewood and I would like to experiment (very slightly) with the design. regards Geordie |
Author: | Alain Moisan [ Wed Apr 29, 2009 4:57 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: Classical bridge weight ? |
Well I'm not sure about the 'optimum' height, but on me classicals, I make the bridge 3/8'' high, in order to have a little less than 1/2'' between the top and the strings. |
Author: | Alan Carruth [ Wed Apr 29, 2009 5:53 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: Classical bridge weight ? |
I usually shoot for somewhere around 20-22 grams, and try to keep it below 25. 18 is a little on the light side, IMO, but would probably be good on a Flamenco. I have heard of bridges going as low as 12 grams, but I've never used one that light as far as I can remember. |
Author: | Alain Moisan [ Wed Apr 29, 2009 6:03 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: Classical bridge weight ? |
Oh boy! I guess I didn't sleep enough last night. I mixed 'height' with 'weight'... Sorry.... |
Author: | Alexandru Marian [ Wed Apr 29, 2009 7:15 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: Classical bridge weight ? |
I completely agree with Alan ( ![]() |
Author: | Gary L [ Wed Apr 29, 2009 7:21 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: Classical bridge weight ? |
My bridges typically weigh 21-22 g and are made from Madagascar rosewood having a density between 0.80-0.88 g/mL. This is fairly high density but the wings are on the thin side in order to keep the weight down. They have worked well on spruce. |
Author: | Colin S [ Thu Apr 30, 2009 4:21 am ] |
Post subject: | Re: Classical bridge weight ? |
I aim for 20 grams, and would ditch it if the weight approached 25gm. I always use BRW, though that weight should be achievable with Madagascan RW. Don't forget it's also another, and heaviest, brace so your bracing will influence what weight bridge will be best for your guitar. Colin |
Author: | Alexandru Marian [ Thu Apr 30, 2009 5:15 am ] |
Post subject: | Re: Classical bridge weight ? |
Btw densities vary so it is important to use a scale or at least get a feel for it. I have Mad rose lighter than maple at 630Kg/m3 and I put this aside for future flamencos. I made one bridge weighting 17 grams while it looks like a big and thick classical bridge. Not very stiff either. In my latest guitar I used a very dense piece of Brazilian, it measured over 1000 Kg/m3 (and it did sink in water when i wanted to make sure i was right). Final weight was 24 grams and maybe down to 23 now (i like to live on the edge so I tweak the bridges after they are glued to the guitar ![]() |
Author: | Geordie Adams [ Fri May 01, 2009 1:31 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: Classical bridge weight ? |
many thanks too all who “weighed in”, 20 gms it is. best regards Geordie |
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