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Andy,

You've got a good start, but artistry is in the details, and I think you've made it a bit too easy on yourself.

Your radiused ends look like they were made for, and by, a spindle sander. Very industrial. I'd suggest moving the lower point of the wings inward a bit (or the upper points outward), and then connecting the points with a graceful, sweeping scallop. Then make the recurve of the bridge ends follow the same sweep. It would add visual interest and movement into your design, and make it look less machine-made. I know it would make the bridge more difficult to produce, 'cause you couldn't just slap it against a spindle and/or belt, but in a handmade instrument that's the point, isn't it?

BTW, kudos for having the nerve to ask for opinions.

Carlton
Thanks for the advice. What you are suggestion is actually the way I was
leaning. (I think)   Could you make a little drawing of what you had in mind.
I am curious to see what you are imagining

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Andy Z.
http://www.lazydogguitars.com

Hi Andy,

I have to agree with the opinions above of less points. I think I might try to stick with the curves more and stray away from the points. I really think you have a nice headstock design, but I don't think you should force the same type of lines in your bridge just to be consistant. I kinda like the Dr. Suess method of building, no straight lines or right angles in anything (as much as possible). Maybe make your center point a nice rounded curve, and then drill the peg holes to follow that shape. Keep at it. If this is going to be a permanent design for many guitars, give it time...

Heck, you could stick with your original design...



Good luck!

JohnJohn Elshaw39031.9216087963

Andy, I like it, though I do find Don's comments insightful and worth considering.

What I was going to suggest is the opposite of what Carlton suggests. I'd bring the upper points on the ends of the wings INWARD, so they don't really end up looking like points at all. I would use a gentler radius there, too. Even though this would make the bottom points on the ends of the wings pointier, I think the overall effect would be a less pointy looking, more graceful (to my eye) bridge.

I am unable to draw smooth lines with my mouse, but the outline I've drawn below on one end is something like what I mean.

_________________
Todd Rose
Ithaca, NY

https://www.dreamingrosesecobnb.com/todds-art-music

https://www.facebook.com/ToddRoseGuitars/

[QUOTE=azimmer1]Could you make a little drawing of what you had in mind.
I am curious to see what you are imagining[/QUOTE]
Andy, I'd be glad to, but I don't have any drawing programs, and no other means to post a drawing, either.

Think of it this way: See how you have those sweeping curves from the bottom center point of the bridge to the lower point of the wings? Continue that with shorter sweeping curves from the bottom points of the wings to the top point of the wings, so the top points are closer to the sides than the bottom wing points. It would give an interesting double-upward sweep that keeps the eye interested. Also, the vertical recurve lines by the saddle ends are visually fighting those upward curves. I'd curve the recurve (?) to match the bridge ends as described above. Clear as a cloudy night?