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Bridge slots
http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=47454		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  cablepuller1 [ Tue Mar 15, 2016 5:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Bridge slots
This has been probably been covered before but what's the thoughts on slotting the bridge and using unslotted pegs
Just read it improves sound and response as more contact ?
Here's pic I just seen

Image
Author:  Colin North [ Tue Mar 15, 2016 5:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge slots
Not so sure about the sound and response, but certainly a big improvement in longevity of the bridge plate and pins.
Lottsa posts on this.
Author:  Rod True [ Tue Mar 15, 2016 5:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge slots
More posts on this than you can shake 100 sticks at.... most are in full agreement, unslotted pins good, slotting bridge/plate good.
Author:  Jeff Highland [ Tue Mar 15, 2016 6:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge slots
Agree with the "less damage to bridge plate". Disagree with the concept that more contact= more energy transmission. A common belief but unsubstantiated.
Author:  Barry Daniels [ Wed Mar 16, 2016 10:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge slots
Slotting a bridge is good. I do it all the time. The photo also shows slots on the saddle which is a bad idea. At least I had bad results with that.
Author:  Tim L [ Wed Mar 16, 2016 12:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge slots
I think a lot of people slot and ramp their bridges. Not sure how many slot their saddles for improved contact. Could certainly give you more of a break angle when you are using a wider saddle blank for intonation.

At least that's what I see in the picture in the OP.

Tim
Author:  cablepuller1 [ Wed Mar 16, 2016 12:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge slots
What do you guys use to slot the bridge..my nut files are to big for this task
Author:  kencierp [ Wed Mar 16, 2016 1:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge slots
Dremel tool with dental bits.

You can make an efficient tool using a very fine tooth saber saw blade/s (at least 22 tpi) I found the saw sold specially for this purpose way too course and actually useless.
Author:  DennisK [ Wed Mar 16, 2016 1:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge slots
cablepuller1 wrote:
What do you guys use to slot the bridge..my nut files are to big for this task

Zona saw keyhole blade, and knife style needle file.

Remember that if you want the guitar to support medium gauge strings, to make the slots big enough for them. Conversely, narrow slots are a nice way to hint to future owners if a guitar is meant for lights only :)
Author:  Hesh [ Wed Mar 16, 2016 2:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge slots
Along these lines if you like Tomastik strings slot bigger.... they have very wide windings..... gaah [headinwall] :D

PS: One more thing: With instruments with the bridge design being marginal for break-over angle slotting the bridge, top and plate can add break angle.
Author:  bftobin [ Sat Mar 19, 2016 6:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge slots
I reshaped some jigsaw blades on a grinder. They've worked well for me.

Brent
Author:  Ken Jones [ Sun Mar 20, 2016 8:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge slots
Barry Daniels wrote:
Slotting a bridge is good. I do it all the time. The photo also shows slots on the saddle which is a bad idea. At least I had bad results with that.

Ervin Somogyi has had pretty good results with it...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Author:  Barry Daniels [ Sun Mar 20, 2016 8:52 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bridge slots
I don't think the slotted saddle is what makes his guitars sound good. More likely the super thin tops and bracing.

But I invite others to try this. Take one of your nice sounding guitars and make a slotted saddle for it and compare them. The one time I did this (on a Breedlove) the slotted saddle literally ruined not only the tone but also the volume. It was dramatic. I would be interested in hearing if other builders have the same results.
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