Official Luthiers Forum!

OK I'm on this bridge plate kick. I previously asked what is your favorite bridge plate material? Now another question. For 2 different bridge plate materials of the same dimension and thickness. One has a higher fundamental frequency and one has a lower. One has a longer sustain than the other which would you pick? and why? I understand the structural function of a bridge plate. I am trying to get my head wrapped around its acoustic contribution

Thanks
Richard

I believe the "fundamental frequency" reflects the stiffness to weight ratio of the wood blanks you are contemplating. If you thin these plates, the stiffness drops faster (cubed function) than the weight (linear drop) so the pitch of the "fundamental frequency" will change (drop). So that frequency isn't an inherent property of the wood......and may not be the best indicator for what will make a good bridge plate.

Are you considering the dampening of the wood you choose? That is an inherent property. Also, the overall size and thickness of the bridge plate will affect the weight which will affect the tone. Maybe the sustain of the ring is a good indication of low dampening.

Finally, when selecting the wood you should consider how well it functions to terminate the ball ends of the string. Does it compress easily? Does it chip out easily? Will it hold up over the long term? Maybe this should be considered then choose from woods that meet this criteria.

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Formerly known as Adaboy.......

The function aspect is the critical aspect for me (not just ball end protection, but is the bridge patch designed to preform well in the larger system). My ears/mind thinks wood tending toward the maple spectrum work a bit better on smaller guitars by taming some metallic/harsh trebles my ears/mind thinks it might recognize with more lively bridge plate materials like Brazilian RW or Osage Orange. However, I've built 00 sized guitars using both with what I call success (I generally thin the the bridge plate more than what I might for maple - .090 or less). The shape, size, position, etc. of the bridge patch probably has more affect on tone than the material used.

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Aaron Craig