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Pyramid or Belly Bridge...?
https://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=42671		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  RichB [ Sat Feb 08, 2014 1:01 am ]
Post subject:  Pyramid or Belly Bridge...?
Quite awhile since I've posted anything here. I've been doing some electrics, thus putting a couple of acoustics on hold that I started some time ago. Health & family came first. I'd like to finish them up. I have a question about an OM that's nearing completion, but I'm not sure what type of bridge to go with. It's IRW & has a Redwood Sinker top w/ Adi Bracing. X-brace is not scalloped (5/8" IIRC). I had originally intended to use a pyramid bridge, but since I'm seeing a little give on the top at the bridge location when I press hard down on it. I am wondering if a belly bridge would provide added strength in that area?

Also: the neck width is a bit over 1 11/16" (1 .71") & the narrowest pyramid bridge I have has a string spacing of 2 3/16". I'm concerned about the 2 E strings coming a too close to the edges of the board. I have a couple Martin belly bridges w/ 2 1/8" spacing. Would they provide added strength over a pyramid bridge...?

a couple of pics...
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Author:  Jim Kirby [ Sat Feb 08, 2014 8:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Pyramid or Belly Bridge...?
Very nice looking guitar. I'm not qualified to comment on the mechanics and relative merits of pyramid vs. belly bridges as I've only built one steel string, but I do think that the pyramid bridge looks a little out of place on a full size modern guitar.
Author:  Mike Baker [ Sat Feb 08, 2014 11:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Pyramid or Belly Bridge...?
I actually like the look of the pyramid. But if the belly bridge has a string spacing that will work better with your design, by all means use it. It should look fine as well.
And I would echo Filippo's comment; lovely looking instrument, whichever way you go.
Author:  Clay S. [ Sat Feb 08, 2014 1:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Pyramid or Belly Bridge...?
The belly bridge will give you a wider footprint and greater shear strength. Not a bad thing with redwood.
Author:  mkellyvrod [ Sat Feb 08, 2014 4:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Pyramid or Belly Bridge...?
Rich, I would like the guitar regardless of the bridge. But I'm with Mike on this - the pyramid is uncommon enough to make the guitar visually more interesting to me. Good job!
Author:  the Padma [ Sat Feb 08, 2014 10:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Pyramid or Belly Bridge...?
Belly, pyramid?

tell us, do you ask yer wife what colour socks to wear each day?

Sorry dude, maybe is me just gettin older and more grumpier, but it really seams like
way too, too many of you don't now weather to shift or fart without asking someone for direction on how too and why.

Seems to me NSHO that NA'ans now run on fear. Fear of makeing a decision, fear of messing up a few bucks of wood, fear for fears sake wow7-eyes ...Oh MY!

Just do it dude and find out ...Then you will know and know one gonna take that knowledge away from you...no ONE! Of course you could follow someone elses B.S. and maybe it will or will not work...but what has that done for your inner being?....Rhetorical...Just asking


Ok...black bear all gone, wine keg empty...time to go to sleep, pay no attention to me comment, but dang it, non the less... take it to heart.


blessings
duh Padma
Author:  Shaw [ Sun Feb 09, 2014 12:19 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Pyramid or Belly Bridge...?
I think a pyramid bridge can look good on a smaller guitar and even some larger guitars. I personally don't like a belly type bridge on small bodies. That's just my taste....Mike
Author:  murrmac [ Sun Feb 09, 2014 7:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Pyramid or Belly Bridge...?
My oh my, we are a grumpy old Padma today, aren't we ? ...
Author:  Hesh [ Sun Feb 09, 2014 8:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Pyramid or Belly Bridge...?
Agree with the others that the pyramid bridge which is typically a nod to vintage instruments looks kind of out of place on a modern, cut-away instrument. Combine with with the string spacing in relation to the neck issue and perhaps add the idea that a belly bridge has a greater gluing foot print on this redwood top and my choice would be a belly bridge.

Making a bridge of your own design is pretty easy as well. You might want to spend some time with some scrap from a 2 X 4 and try a few bridge designs of your own too. It's fun, easy, and rewarding to design your own.
Author:  the Padma [ Sun Feb 09, 2014 1:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Pyramid or Belly Bridge...?
murrmac wrote:
My oh my, we are a grumpy old Padma today, aren't we ? ...



............Ya! we are!

Image
Author:  RichB [ Sun Feb 09, 2014 1:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Pyramid or Belly Bridge...?
I value & thank all for your thoughts/opinions ( 'cept one :roll: ), my primary intent was to find out what bridge you thought would offer more strength in that area. When compared to a couple other guitars I've built, the Redwood top seems to have more give to that area. Like I 1st said, I orig wanted to go w/ a Pyramid, but after seeing some deflection, it raised doubt. Coupled w/ the spacing, the larger footprint of a belly bridge is where I'm headed...

The Pyramid's were custom made for me by Tippie & they are thinned down considerably, so that would've compromised it's strength in itself...

Hesh: I visit your site quite often, it's been a great aid & thx for all that's contained in it.
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