Bridge string slots?

[Zach Wilson]

Hello and thanks in advance!

I have a replacement bridge ordered for one of my flat top mandolins. The current one is non adjustable and I want a adjustable one. The one I ordered does not have string slots pre done on the saddle. Will I have to add them or like guitar saddles can I just leave it be?

Thanks

[pheffernan]

Hello and thanks in advance!

I have a replacement bridge ordered for one of my flat top mandolins. The current one is non adjustable and I want a adjustable one. The one I ordered does not have string slots pre done on the saddle. Will I have to add them or like guitar saddles can I just leave it be?

Thanks

Make sure that your flattop can accommodate the height of the adjustable bridge you’ve ordered. I too wanted one on my Poe Scout after moving on from my Flatiron and was surprised to learn that the swap is not as simple as I’d thought. I know that Redline makes one for their Travelers which might work and Weber had some interesting variations for their flattops.

[Zach Wilson]

Make sure that your flattop can accommodate the height of the adjustable bridge you’ve ordered. I too wanted one on my Poe Scout after moving on from my Flatiron and was surprised to learn that the swap is not as simple as I’d thought. I know that Redline makes one for their Travelers which might work and Weber had some interesting variations for their flattops.

Yes, I guess I didn't think about that. Good thing I didn't spend a whole lot incase this doesn't work.

[pops1]

Yes you will have to file slots if it is not too tall.

[Zach Wilson]

Ha! I just took a look at one of my mandolins (I was at work earlier) and it just dawned on me that if you didn't file slots the strings would just run perfectly straight from tailpiece to the nut. Not ideal I guess!

My bad!

[Jim Garber]

Zach, maybe I am misunderstanding you. Have you actually seen mandolins that don't have slots in the bridge for the strings? Also, bear in mind that these slots need to be cut correctly, to the right gauge and angle. Also, that any bridge should be correctly fitted to the top of your mandolin. Even flattops have some radius to the top. Unless you are skilled at doing this I would have a luthier set it up for you.

[Zach Wilson]

Zach, maybe I am misunderstanding you. Have you actually seen mandolins that don't have slots in the bridge for the strings? Also, bear in mind that these slots need to be cut correctly, to the right gauge and angle. Also, that any bridge should be correctly fitted to the top of your mandolin. Even flattops have some radius to the top. Unless you are skilled at doing this I would have a luthier set it up for you.

Yes, you're right! A tad oversight on my part.