Official Luthiers Forum!

Howdy everyone, Well I picked up an old Ventura 12 string acoustic today with a cracked bridge, going to try my hand at mt first bridge replacement

Where is the best place to pick up a pre made bridge ? I noticed that Stew Mac and LLMI dont carry them.

Do you know if anyone make a Moustache bridge for a 12 string?

Thanks in advance
Bill

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De Oppresso Liber

WOW..... was it something I said

I am not looking for a bridge to match the one I am taking off, I am going to strip the top and try my hand at a sunburst, so just about any style will work. So far the only ones I have found have been on ebay. But would prefer to use someone from here, or someone you guys suggest.


Thanks
Bill

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Bill

This guy is on ebay, and is very reputable. He is located in Canada, and I have dealt with him on many occasions.
http://stores.ebay.com/bezdez_VINTAGE-PARTS_W0QQ_fsubZ2877959QQ_sidZ11557664?_nkw=12+string+bridge&submit=Search
He has some old moustache bridges as well, but the are 6 string. I am sure you could copy one into a 12 string bridge.

Bob

The only 12-string bridges I've ever seen for sale are on ebay. But it's possible you could make a 12-string bridge out of a 6-string bridge, using 2 strings per pin. The 2 strings per pin bridge has been discussed on this site, with a link to the Australian luthiers' forum for details. A wide enough bridge to start from would be the main issue.

If (and I know it's a big if) you have access to some tools, why not try to make your own bridge? I find making bridges is fun, and if you screw up, a new bridge blank doesn't cost all that much.

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Tim Allen
"Never hurry, never rest."

Bill, I'm with Tim on this.
Building a new bridge (12 string notwithstanding) is going to be the easiest--and most enjoyable--part of the entire project.
Bridge-making ranks way up near the top for me as far as fun steps in lutherie.

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

With 12 holes already drilled through your top and bridge plate, you're probably wanting to copy the pin hole foot print and saddle slot of the original bridge, so you don't turn the bridge patch to a mess of splinters with another dozen holes, as you try to line up the saddle compensation. As others have suggested, the easiest way to do that is to make your own. The alternative is to repair/replace the bridge patch, but that's not so straight forward and probably more than you want to take on. Buy yourself a stock of 3 or 4 bridge blanks (deep enough for a 12 string) and have a go -- you may get hooked!

Thanks for all of the advice guys. I might just have to try my hand at building my own. Guess the hardest part would be making a jig to router out the saddle slot.

Thanks again
Bill

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