cutting a bridge?

joeydude

New member
got me a stock gotoh bridge. what should i know about cutting the string slots?

do i need special tools?, ive allreayd got a small triangular file.

thanks
 
Re: cutting a bridge?

Joey, Theodie showed me a great way to notch the saddles on a bridge. I am going to assume you are using a Gibson style ABR or Nashville.

Go ahead and string the guitar up on the un-notched saddles. Get yourself a rubber mallet, or if you don't have one a regular hammer will work, just be careful. Make sure the string is alligned on the saddle exactly where you want it, and give it a firm rap with the hammer. All you're looking to do is get a "slight" indentation in the saddle. Do this for each saddle (it will of course ruin the strings).

Take the strings off, and either using your file, or the correct string size for each saddle wrapped with some sandpaper, smooth the notch out so there are no burr's.

You're done. Really easy, works like a charm. Remember, you don't need a deep grove at all, because that can cause binding, string breakage, ect. Just a smooth little notch to hold the string in place.
 
Re: cutting a bridge?

couldnt i just do this like without the bridge being on the guitar? like just hold the strings in place with the bridge on a table?

ita goig on a hollowbody so im a lttle hesitant on hitting it.
 
Re: cutting a bridge?

Yeah, I think so. Just mark where on the saddles you want each string, because they don't necessairly sit dead center...although it's pretty close.
 
Re: cutting a bridge?

the sadles actualyl allreayd have very small mars in the middle, theyre just not nearly deep enough to hold even a high e properly.
 
Re: cutting a bridge?

I suggest the string and sand paper way. Seems like the easiest or take it to someone. Although taking it to someone sometimes ruins the DIY fun!
 
Re: cutting a bridge?

yeah, i did it myself with file and sandpaper, like most aspects of setting up a guitar, its waaay easier than people think.
 
Back
Top