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Thread: bridge recommendations for a Weymann mandolute

  1. #1

    Default bridge recommendations for a Weymann mandolute

    I recently purchased a nice 1924 Weymann mandolute. It's the cheapest model, Style 15. It has good tone, but a makeshift, hand-carved bridge. Does anyone have suggestions for a bridge that would be better? Thanks!

  2. #2
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: bridge recommendations for a Weymann mandolute

    As I recall the mandolute I used to own had a bridge that was similar to the long, thin, low, non-adjustable bridges normally found on bowl-backs. I'm relying on 40+ year-old memory, though.

    I had a Style 15 too; decent instrument, and I remember paying less than $100 for it back in the late 1970's.
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  4. #3

    Default Re: bridge recommendations for a Weymann mandolute

    Thanks, Allen. I've got a local luthier who might have just the thing in his parts bin. The price on this one defied inflation—it listed for $200—which is why I couldn't pass it up. Wasn't even particularly looking for another mandolin, but . . .

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  6. #4
    Teacher, repair person
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    Default Re: bridge recommendations for a Weymann mandolute

    It looks like even the plainer Weymann Mandolutes tended to have one piece compensated ebony bridges with fancy ends. A plainer well-made one piece ebony bridge would probably look and function well enough, though.

    If your local guy's bridge doesn't work, something can be made easily enough. I make them every now and then-- plain ones take less than an hour to make, fancy ones take longer.

  7. #5

    Thumbs down Re: bridge recommendations for a Weymann mandolute

    Hi Scot63, I've restored on Mandolute and have two more in line for eventual restoration. Here are pics of the bridges I've seen.

    1) Click image for larger version. 

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ID:	201613 This is what I have seen on multiple Weymann Mandolutes, a solid ebony compensated bridge with fancy ends.

    2) Click image for larger version. 

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    3) Click image for larger version. 

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    One of the Mandolutes in line has this bridge, not of ebony and heavily modified, but I suspect it might be a repro.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Click image for larger version. 

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    I cut a replacement for my first mandolute, but was able to add a shim and use the original. That being said, not too hard to reproduce by hand if need be.

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  9. #6

    Default Re: bridge recommendations for a Weymann mandolute

    Thanks, this is super helpful!

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