Bridge clamping question

Dave Bagwill · Post by **Dave Bagwill** » Tue Jul 31, 2012 12:35 pm

What do you think of this idea - I have some threaded nylon washers; if I was to glue a couple of them on the bridge plate in the correct spot before closing the box, could I not then use the KMG bridge clamp without reaching inside the box - do it all from the top?
The washers are very light but strong, so I cannot imagine them having a negative influence.

ken cierp · Post by **ken cierp** » Tue Jul 31, 2012 1:02 pm

If you are confident with your bridge location there is no reason that the bridge plate itself could not be tapped to the 10-24 thread. Soak it after tapping with CA then tap again. Just a thought

John Parchem · Post by **John Parchem** » Tue Jul 31, 2012 1:21 pm

I have seen clamps that sandwich the guitar between two slats that have bolts on either side that are tightened. The clamp can be used with a caul for the bridge. Kathy Matsushita used such a clamp when she clamped the bridge on her first harp ukulele. http://home.comcast.net/~kathymatsushit ... /hu23.html

It seems this would work with a guitar as well.

Ken Hundley · Post by **Ken Hundley** » Tue Jul 31, 2012 1:32 pm

I would be concerned with too much compression deforming the top radius on a guitar....a uke is smaller and might be a little more resistant to that compression. Just my thought.

I suppose the nylon washer could work, but would it have a dampening effect on the sting if it remains in the body? I mean once the ball end is anchored, it would be compressing the nylon correct? could this also be a possible future point of failure as it wears?

Dave Bagwill · Post by **Dave Bagwill** » Tue Jul 31, 2012 2:17 pm

Once the ball end wore through the nylon, it would be up against the bridge plate, so no problem there.
I like Ken's idea as well.

The threaded washer does not have to be large enough to provide damping - just a little larger than the screw coming in from the top.

John Parchem · Post by **John Parchem** » Tue Jul 31, 2012 3:00 pm

I would never trust that I would have the bridge located properly before I have glued on the top and set the neck. I am just not that good. Ken's idea of taping the top is interesting as it could be done from the top, once everything is already set.

I was also thinking of small toggle bolts, but I do not think they get that small.

Robert Hosmer · Post by **Robert Hosmer** » Tue Jul 31, 2012 4:45 pm

johnparchem wrote:I was also thinking of small toggle bolts, but I do not think they get that small.

If by "small", you are referring to thread size, then yes, they make 'em in 10-24. (Somewhere in the shop I've even got some in 6-32.)

Acoustic Guitar Construction

Bridge clamping question

Bridge clamping question

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