#1
|
|||
|
|||
How to Ramp a Bridge
I'm thinking of ramping a bridge on an acoustic guitar. I am following the advice on someone's website which said to use a Dremel and a 1/16 inch drill bit. I'm not sure this is the best way to cut good accurate ramps into a bridge. Does anyone out their have some of their own advice that could illuminate?
|
#2
|
|||
|
|||
I use a needle file and a thin keyhole type saw that fits in an X-Acto knife handle.
|
#3
|
|||
|
|||
First, I'd make the distinction between the slots we make in bridges to accommodate unslotted pins as used in older guitars and the ramps we add later to increase the break angle on bridges with relatively low saddles.
For slotting bridges, the conventional tools are small saws and/or files. For adding ramps, the Dremel is an outstanding choice, because of ease of control, and the need for shallow, sloping cuts. The problem - no break angle, poor string/saddle contact The general hand position when making ramps with Dremel: Ramps completed - good string contact: The rest of the article I posted on FRETS.COM 19 years ago. . . .http://www.frets.com/FretsPages/Luth...tringramp.html
__________________
Cheers, Frank Ford |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
I wonder, after the ramps have been done, is the newly exposed wood of a different colour to the rest of the bridge, which I assume was stained in the manufacturing of the guitar? What I mean is, will I need to apply some stain to the newly exposed wood so that it matches in with the rest of the bridge?
|
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
Many bridges are natural color...either rosewood or ebony. But if it has been stained, you can color it after cutting the ramps. I would use a smaller bit than 1/16", though. A bit that large will make slots that are wider than necessary on the smaller strings. |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
It would, but would that really matter other than aesthetically? I would have thought that anything smaller might be too fragile to withstand the lateral pressure.
|
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
__________________
---- Ned Milburn NSDCC Master Artisan Dartmouth, Nova Scotia |