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1) Loosen the strings and remove the existing bridge without
moving the thumb wheels.
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2) Attach a piece of 80-120 grit sandpaper about 2" X 4"
rough side up to the top of the mandolin between the center of the f-
holes. Use masking tape or drafting tape around the edges of the
sandpaper. (Note: using adhesive backed sandpaper may take of some of the
finish off). Mark the bass side of the bridge for reference. With your
fingers firmly on the base and centered slide the bridge toward your self
(do not slide the bridge back and forth that will cause rounding on the
bottom of the feet).
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3) When the feet of the bridge have conformed to the top of
the mandolin remove the sandpaper. Take your old bridge and butt it up
against the new bridge and draw a line across the top.
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4) With a piece of sand paper on a piece of wood sand down
to the line. Be careful not to go too far, remember this is a non-adjustable
bridge.
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5) When you reach the desired height place your old bridge
butt up against the new one and mark where the compensation begins and ends
for each string
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6) I like to blacken the areas where I'm going to file away.
I use the old bridge as a guide.
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7) With a 3/8" file remove the blacken areas. |
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8) Sand the rough edges of the bridge with 120 grid
sandpaper. Be careful not to change the compensation.
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9) Place the old bridge next to the new one and mark the
string spacing. Use a small file (jewelers files work great and are
inexpensive) and cut the string slots. Be careful not to cut too deep.
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10) Re-attach the string to the tailpiece and slide the
bridge underneath and tune up. Check the intonation and enjoy the sound of
your new maple bridge.
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| Alternative Compensation
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This is an alternate compensation and the way I do it. My
intonation is very close to perfect with this method.
Draw a line from the treble (top right corner) to the bass (bottom left
corner) |
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You can either use a sand paper on a piece of board or a
belt sander. Sand using the line as a guide. The width should be about 3 or
4 mm. |
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Here's how it looks when fitted. I've tested my
intonation with the strobe tuner and it looks good. Ready to play. |
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