Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi Guys!

Do any of you know how to layout the holes on a 12 hole classical bridge? I kept the tieblock area a little beefier to compensate for the extra holes but I don't know where the extra holes go. Shouild they be right next to the standard holes? or should they be to the side and down or up a bit and how far apart? Also should I cut a valley across the hole like I would normaly do on a standard bridge?

Thanks,
Ed.

Hi Ed,

Just come over about a 1/16th or so to the left of each standard hole and drill a new hole the same size.
Here is a pic.

Thanks Robbie!

Hey Edward,

I've just kinda developed a system via trial and error. Here's what I do, from the git-go:

I drill the six "primary" holes first, about 3mm above the base of the bridge, with the bridge chucked up in an angle vise on my drill press so I can drill the holes at a 15 degree angle. This helps the strings pass through the holes easier without significantly affecting break angle. Then I drill the remaining six holes straight through at a zero angle approximately 1mm above and 2mm to the left of the orginal six, when looking at the bridge from the rear.

I mark these points with a pencil and straight edge, then put detents into the bridge wood with a nail set at these points so the bit doesn't even think about skating around. Even with a drill press, sometimes the bit likes to wander some.

Best,

Michael

_________________
Live to Play, Play to Live

Micheal how has the 12 hole bridge worked out for you? do you like it better?

Edward,

The 12-hole bridges I've made came out well. I prefer the 12-hole bridges now because of the improvement in break angle and also because I find it a little quicker to string up a guitar with the 12-hole bridge as opposed to a 6-hole one.

I've even done 18-hole bridges, but I consider them to be overkill really, and ironically, it takes me more time stringing up a guitar with an 18-hole bridge than either of the others.

Best,

Michael

_________________
Live to Play, Play to Live

Thanks guys!

Michael, I do all my bridges as 12 hole using the same method as you. I think the angled hole with the other straight is the key and did the offset for the other hole just because I had seen someone elses 12 hole done that way with the offset and liked the look.