New Cumberland Bridge on my 1920 Gibson A-2

[Capt. E]

Just had a new Cumberland bridge installed on my 1920 Gibson A-2 (saved the original bridge, of course). I had been curious as to whether an adjustable bridge might "improve" tone etc and my conclusion so far is: Yes, it does sound different. Very hard to describe, but it seems to be somewhat louder and the tone is just "different". Same strings as before (D'Adarrio J-74's), The action is now a touch lower which allows a lighter touch fretting up the neck. Pleased with the change so far. I feel the instrument's voice has opened more. Any comments appreciated.

[pops1]

I am guessing as i had an '18 and a '22. The '18 was much more tubby sounding and the '22 has a much cleaner bass. Some of the teens the G string was the loudest string on the mandolin, my '22 is very balanced, deep, but not tubby.

[pops1]

I am guessing as i had an '18 and a '22. The '18 was much more tubby sounding and the '22 has a much cleaner bass. Some of the teens the G string was the loudest string on the mandolin, my '22 is very balanced, deep, but not tubby.

Seems like the rest of the reply was lost???? Anyway the '22 has an adjustable bridge, I am guessing that your mandolin is now more focused and even sounding. Just going by the differences in the '18 & '22, other things aside.

[fatt-dad]

I've gone back and forth on my 1920 A3. For now it's the original bridge and Thomastik Starks. Using a BC Large Jazz 50.

Enjoy!

f-d

[Timbofood]

I appreciate the use of the term "different" instead of "better".
Not the same is a reasonable result in the bridge change, better or worse doesn't hold that much water until you get used to the difference, then you can be a bit more objective, give it a little time and see how you feel about it.

[Ron McMillan]

I'm very happy with the sound of my 1920 A2 (with original bridge), but it's good to know that the Cumberland bridge presents a decent option should the need arise. I'd like to see photos of your new-look A2.

ron

[Capt. E]

More focused and even sounding may describe it. I will play it a while with the Cumberland and perhaps switch back in a couple of months after the new strings are played in etc. So many things that can cause subtle changes: new strings, different strings, action height, pick used...even the humidity and temperature. In the end, there is no use in obsessing about it. It's still my favorite mandolin.

[Timbofood]

Reasonable description, thanks, Cap.

[Bill Kammerzell]

Just had a new Cumberland bridge installed on my 1920 Gibson A-2 (saved the original bridge, of course). I had been curious as to whether an adjustable bridge might "improve" tone etc and my conclusion so far is: Yes, it does sound different. Very hard to describe, but it seems to be somewhat louder and the tone is just "different". Same strings as before (D'Adarrio J-74's), The action is now a touch lower which allows a lighter touch fretting up the neck. Pleased with the change so far. I feel the instrument's voice has opened more. Any comments appreciated.

I ordered a Cumberland Acoustic bridge for the Bacon Amateur I just got. I called and talked to a guy and have forgotten his name already. Wasn't Steve. Gave him some measurements he made some recommendations which I followed. The first bridge I got from them, really opened up the mandolin I fitted it on. I'm looking for a different sound as well as being able to adjust the action.

[Capt. E]

Still enjoying the new bridge and my impression of a cleaner sound with a bit more volume is hanging in there. I still intend on switching back to the original bridge, but I may not have the nerve.

[pops1]

I had put a different saddle on my '22 A2, well a long time ago, and just for kicks changed it back last year, didn't stay long, like a few minutes and went back as the old one was more tubby and I am not a fan of tubby.

[Capt. E]

That is probably the word for the original bridge...a bit tubby. The Cumberland just rings more. "Tubby" does have its place, though. Especially old-time and perhaps blues.

[pops1]

Used to have an '18 Gibson, tubby and seemed the G string was the loudest. I play old time and some blues among others, but still prefer deep and balanced. Nothing wrong with either, just my preference and isn't it nice we don't all like the same thing.

[Capt. E]

Really, how boring would that be?

[Bill Kammerzell]

Just had a new Cumberland bridge installed on my 1920 Gibson A-2 (saved the original bridge, of course). I had been curious as to whether an adjustable bridge might "improve" tone etc and my conclusion so far is: Yes, it does sound different. Very hard to describe, but it seems to be somewhat louder and the tone is just "different". Same strings as before (D'Adarrio J-74's), The action is now a touch lower which allows a lighter touch fretting up the neck. Pleased with the change so far. I feel the instrument's voice has opened more. Any comments appreciated.

I finally did put that Cumberland Acoustic Bridge on the Bacon Amateur and I enjoyed it so much I went and changed the tuners while I was at it. Purchased a set of "Restoration Tuners" at Stew-Mac and they did the trick. The original tuners were either too tight or had too much slop in them. Between the tuners and the new bridge it certainly is a pleasure to play. The sound is different, but I'd also call it better. In fact I don't intend to return to the original bridge at all. It's a brighter sound, but it's louder and fuller, especially on the bass side. Just being able to adjust the action is a plus. Next project is filing three frets (5,7,9,) that are just a bit too high.

[Vernon Hughes]

I think I posted this a long time ago in another thread but here's my '22 truss rodded A-2 with a cumberland bridge installed. I love the way it balanced the sound out. Who says you can't play bluegrass on a oval hole!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPve5q1dVMo

[Bill Kammerzell]

I think I posted this a long time ago in another thread but here's my '22 truss rodded A-2 with a cumberland bridge installed. I love the way it balanced the sound out. Who says you can't play bluegrass on a oval hole!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPve5q1dVMo

Nice! Very nice, and very nice again! Put that one in my favorites.