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Hi everyone,

I've reached the point where I'm fitting the neck on my OOO StewMac guitar kit and one thing that's really got me worried is how do I know I've set the bridge in the right spot? The instruction have me using a straightedge and comparing things to the neck, but if the neck hasn't been fitted yet, how can I know I've got the bridge in exactly the center of the guitar, and the saddle right where it ought to be? Does anyone have any nifty tricks or tips when it comes to positioning the bridge?

Thanks and Happy New Year!

-- Josh

I don't try to locate the bridge until the neck is on. I think that is the only way to be certain that the saddle will end up in the right spot in relation to the nut/fretboard and that intonation is spot on. I also use a bridge locator from Stewmac. It is called the "Saddlematic". A nifty tool. Pals,Vic.

I don't locate the bridge until the neck and fretboard are both installed and the guitar is finished. If it is a dovetail, set the neck without glue, if it is a bolt on then, well bolt it on. Make the measurements - 2 times the distance to the 12th fret plus whatever compensation your plans call for. Remove the finish where the bridge wll go, glue it on, then do the final neck setting relative to that location. One of the last steps of your setup will be the final compensation of the saddle

Here are two of the tools I use. I made a copy of the saddlematic when I built my 1st and after lining up the neck and bridge for centering with straight edges on several guitars I ordered the Center line finder, what a couple time savers that also add to the accuracy.

Center line finder
http://www.luthiersuppliers.com/products/p9.html

Saddlematic.
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Special_tools_for_Bridges/Saddlematic.html?actn=100101&xst=3&xsr=1487

Fred

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Fred Tellier
http://www.fetellierguitars.com
Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/FE-Tellier-Guitars/163451547003866

Assuming you glued the top centered on the sides, the top join line is what you want to center the neck. You can simply use a straightedge (metal ruler) - mark center at two points on the fretboard (i.e. nut and 12th), line up the straightedge and clamp or tape firmly in place. That will give you a projection over the joint. Double check the heel and make sure it also lines up with the back center seam. If not you may need to assess and split the difference.

When the neck is fitted and installed, this is when you locate the bridge. Again the steel ruler can be used to find center.

David