Manton Customs Posted October 16, 2015 Share Posted October 16, 2015 [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] As I was making a bridge for one of my restoration projects ([url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/254672-16-archtop-guitar-restoration-1938-cromwell-g4-by-gibson-relic/"]see Gibson Cromwell Restoration[/url]) I thought I would outline the process here for anyone wanting to have a go at it. This is for a guitar but the process is easily transferable to bass. In this case I'm having to make one as it's not possible to find a vintage correct one ready made. It's a simple but time consuming process, so if buying one is an option I'd probably recommend going that route! Making a wooden bridge does have an extra advantage though....cost! Even including the thumb wheels and the blank itself (which you may already have) the cost is next to non existent. You'll need a tailpiece for this design, but this can be as simple as string through body ferrules (again mega cheap!) or a simple wooden design. Fortunately I have the original tailpiece for this guitar, so it's not a concern here and we will be focusing only on the bridge. These bridges are adjustable for height though not for intonation however intonation will be pretty damn good if placed correctly. If you're planning on building a similar design for a flat top guitar (perhaps tune o matic equipped) you can skip to step 10 and in step 7 you would mount your posts directly into the top of the guitar. So for those of you who are building on a very tight budget or trying to match something (as I am) or simply make something attractive and unique, here's how you can go about doing it. Here's the blank, from which I will be cutting both pieces of the bridge. It's some rather beautiful Brazilian Rosewood in this case. I have marked it up with the correct dimensions for my bridge, which is actually quite large as you'll soon see![/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] [URL=http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/Manton-Customs/media/Bridge/1%20blank.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u425/Manton-Customs/Bridge/1%20blank.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] Starting on the bottom part (which will later have the posts inserted) I cut it out on the bandsaw...though a handsaw would be perfectly possible. Then plane it by hand to get it to the correct dimensions.[/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] [URL=http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/Manton-Customs/media/Bridge/2%20planing.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u425/Manton-Customs/Bridge/2%20planing.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] With that done it's time to give the base it's shape. You can skip this step if your guitar or bass has a flat top. As this is an arch top the bottom of the bridge has to match the arch of the top. I rough it out close with files, scrapers and sanding before attached abrasive paper to the guitar top itself. Make sure you mount the paper with low tack masking tape so as not to damage the finish...do not use super strong double sided tape!!! As you can see I also have a side rail (the piece of Ebony) to guide the bridge and keep it straight as it is pushed across the top. This is an old trick used on old stringed instruments when fitting bridges.[/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] [URL=http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/Manton-Customs/media/Bridge/3%20base%20sanding.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u425/Manton-Customs/Bridge/3%20base%20sanding.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] Here you can see the arch has now been sanded into the base.[/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] [URL=http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/Manton-Customs/media/Bridge/4%20curve.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u425/Manton-Customs/Bridge/4%20curve.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] This is what you are aiming for, no gaps and the bridge fitting tightly across the whole length of the it.[/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] [URL=http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/Manton-Customs/media/Bridge/5%20curve%20sanded.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u425/Manton-Customs/Bridge/5%20curve%20sanded.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] Next we give it the shape, make sure to mark it up before carving anything, so that you get it symmetrical.[/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] [URL=http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/Manton-Customs/media/Bridge/6%20shaping.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u425/Manton-Customs/Bridge/6%20shaping.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] Here I'm drilling the posts using a simple template for repeat-ability, you don't want them in a straight line, for correct intonation you want the bass side angled further back by approx 3 mm. As you can see I'm using a drilling template so that I can copy the holes into the top part of the bridge easily afterwards. I use a drill press to ensure the holes run straight[/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] [URL=http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/Manton-Customs/media/Bridge/7%20a%20drilling%20template.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u425/Manton-Customs/Bridge/7%20a%20drilling%20template.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] Now time to tap that ass!...ok sorry. In case that made no sense I'm basically threading (or tapping!) the holes so that I can insert the posts. To do this I chuck the post into a handheld drill making sure to tape off the chucked section so the threads do not get damaged. Then I do it up with the drill until I get approx 12 mm of threaded section above the base. This threads the wood as the post is inserted and I personally find it easier than using an actual tap.[/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] [URL=http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/Manton-Customs/media/Bridge/7%20tapping.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u425/Manton-Customs/Bridge/7%20tapping.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] Posts inserted.[/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] [URL=http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/Manton-Customs/media/Bridge/8%20tapped.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u425/Manton-Customs/Bridge/8%20tapped.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] Here is the bottom complete with thumb wheels, now onto the top.[/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] [URL=http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/Manton-Customs/media/Bridge/9%20bottom%20complete.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u425/Manton-Customs/Bridge/9%20bottom%20complete.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] The blank for the top, cut from the same piece as the bottom and planed[/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] [URL=http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/Manton-Customs/media/Bridge/10%20top.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u425/Manton-Customs/Bridge/10%20top.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] Here I have drilled for the posts (again using a press) and begun shaping it using the tools seen here.[/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] [URL=http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/Manton-Customs/media/Bridge/11%20shaping%20top%20and%20drilling.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u425/Manton-Customs/Bridge/11%20shaping%20top%20and%20drilling.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] Next more shaping, I'm cutting the feat of the bridge for where the wheels will sit. These need to be the same thickness as the wheel, so when the bridge is set to it's lowest position, the base will sit flat against the bottom. It's rough cut with the fret saw before being shaved down with the chisel.[/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] [URL=http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/Manton-Customs/media/Bridge/12%20cutting%20feet.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u425/Manton-Customs/Bridge/12%20cutting%20feet.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] Here we go, all finished minus string slotting.[/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] [URL=http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/Manton-Customs/media/Bridge/15%20finished%204.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u425/Manton-Customs/Bridge/15%20finished%204.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] [URL=http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/Manton-Customs/media/Bridge/13%20finished.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u425/Manton-Customs/Bridge/13%20finished.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] [URL=http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/Manton-Customs/media/Bridge/14%20finished.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u425/Manton-Customs/Bridge/14%20finished.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/size][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][size=3] Thanks for looking, I hope this tutorial has been useful to someone somewhere [/size][/font][/color] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brensabre79 Posted October 16, 2015 Share Posted October 16, 2015 Great tutorial! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manton Customs Posted October 16, 2015 Author Share Posted October 16, 2015 Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3below Posted October 16, 2015 Share Posted October 16, 2015 Excellent, I have a bass that needs a similar bridge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manton Customs Posted October 16, 2015 Author Share Posted October 16, 2015 That's good to hear, I was a bit doubtful that the tutorial would be of much use to anyone as wooden bridges on basses aren't exactly common. So I'm glad it may be of use and good luck if you have a go at it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manton Customs Posted April 13, 2016 Author Share Posted April 13, 2016 Just thought I'd update this thread with another wooden bridge I've just finished for an archtop bass. Same process, except this time the top part is made from aluminum, the bottom is Rosewood as before. [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,] [URL=http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/Manton-Customs/media/96e4593c-61b0-44f1-acbc-9cafe50f2938.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u425/Manton-Customs/96e4593c-61b0-44f1-acbc-9cafe50f2938.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,] [URL=http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/Manton-Customs/media/2_1.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u425/Manton-Customs/2_1.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/font][/color] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twincam Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 Very nice work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manton Customs Posted April 14, 2016 Author Share Posted April 14, 2016 Thank you very much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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