An Eastman mandolin came in with a new bridge to fit. The feet were sanded to the arch of the top until there was no gap, then the instrument was set up to the new bridge. An hour and a half; the bridge fits and intonates.
- Instrument
- Eastman mandolin, sunburst
- Tech
- Dave Eastwood
- Customer complaint
- Fit a new bridge and set up
- Diagnosis
- New bridge needed its feet fitted to the top
- Work performed
- Bridge feet sanded to fit the top with no gap; set up to the new bridge
- Parts
- Bridge
- Bench time
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Outcome
- Bridge fits and intonates
What Came In
An Eastman mandolin with a replacement bridge that needed fitting and a setup to go with it.
What We Found
The new bridge's feet did not yet match the arch of the top. They had to be fitted before the setup could mean anything.
What We Did
Sanded the feet of the bridge to fit the top without a gap, then set the mandolin up to the new bridge. About an hour and a half on the bench.
Parts Replaced
One mandolin bridge.
Result
The bridge fits and the mandolin intonates.
Why does a mandolin bridge have to be fitted?
A mandolin bridge is held on by string pressure alone, and the top is carved to an arch. If the feet do not match that arch exactly, the bridge rocks, tone thins out, and intonation drifts. Fitting means sanding the feet, against the top itself, until they meet it along their whole length.
Related
- The Repair Vault
- Guitar Repair at Paul's Guitar Hideout
- Hofner Bass: Spinning Jack and a Bridge in the Wrong Place
- Why Won't My Guitar Stay in Tune
- What a Guitar Setup Includes and Why It Matters
Bring It In
Mandolin, banjo or archtop with a floating bridge that does not sit right? That is a fitting job. Guitar repair at the Hideout.
Paul's Guitar Hideout is located at The Shirt Factory in Glens Falls, NY. Use the Cooper Street entrance and take the stairs up. If stairs are difficult or you're bringing in something you don't want to carry up, call or text us and we'll arrange access.
The Shirt Factory
71 Lawrence St., Suite 201B, 2nd Floor
Glens Falls, NY 12801
Wednesday–Sunday, 12–5 PM
(518) 217-8695 · info@paulsguitarhideout.com