Adventures in Bridge Slotting- DIY

[MartyGrass]

I just got my American Eagle back from Pete Moreno, a Heritage employee (last day yesterday, so he claims) and luthier. He fit the bridge properly to the top and did some drop fills in the clear coat for appearance sake.

 

The conventional string spread on the bridge for Gibson and Heritage is about 2 1/32". Some are right at 2" even. I prefer a slightly greater spread of 2 3/32" to accommodate fingerstyle and hybrid.

 

I bought a couple of compensated ebony saddles to notch. I have a pre-cut saddle I took off of another guitar to use as a model. Here's how it went.

 

The model saddle with two blanks in the vice.

 

 

The files. These are rounded edge files specifically for stringed instruments.

 

 

I notched the two blanks with the 0.010" files to mark them.

 

 

 

I then put one blank in the vice at a time while I finished the filing. The files are the same size as the strings or a smidge wider. The filing is horizontal on the top but sloped down at about 45 degrees on the side that faces the tailpiece to allow for the break angle.

 

 

 

The stock saddle is on top and the one I filed is below. Note the larger string spread below. I also think the depth and length of the slots are better on mine.

 

 

[MartyGrass]

Here is the result. Note the base is completely flush with the top of the guitar and the strings are properly spaced with a little more spread.

 

I didn't buff or oil the ebony 'cause I'm lazy and indifferent. Maybe someday.

 

[chico]

Love close up views of spruce tops and the natural ridging of the wood. Interesting process on the slotting.

[bolero]

nicely done, it looks fantastic!!!

[H]

A nice bit of DIY, thanks for the pics

[Ned]

Very sweet. You are making a close approach to perfection. I look forward to seeing your eagle regularly on this forum.

 

Where did you buy the files?

[MartyGrass]

I got the files from eBay. I wanted a good assortment that went from 0.010 to 0.055 or so. This fit the bill and the set was about $100. The blade characteristics are proper, too.

 

In my case, they will pay for themselves. Each time I use them I save at least $30. I'm past the point of making expensive mistakes on nuts and bridges, so it is safe.

 

I've got a bone nut on a Millie to do this weekend.

[hinesarchtop]

Hi Marc. Here is a handy tool for slotting.

[MartyGrass]

Just got one a few days ago. I haven't tried it out, but it looks good.

 

You need to do a NGD for a real beauty!