bridge plate material

[tim crain 54]

I'd like to get an opinion on bridge plate material. From what I have read it is usually either hard maple or rosewood. I have some mesquite that is quite hard and was wondering if that might be a good choice as well. Is there a difference in the sound/tone of the guitar depending on the wood chosen or is the bridge plate primarily to support the ball end of the strings as well as strengthen the top where the bridge is attached? Thanks for any input.

[ken cierp]

Actually Mesquite is 40% harder than Hard Maple -- I have never worked it, I would caution to make sure it is not too brittle, which would/could be a problem with the ball ends easily or prematurerly damaging the plate. Also weight is a factor to consider how does it compare to .100" Maple and .090" Rosewood?

[tim crain 54]

Ken, according to my calculations the mesquite is 15% heavier than the maple. I bent a 3.5mm (.138") piece parallel with the grain and it took quite a bit of force to break it. I don't have a piece of maple or rosewood is the reason for the mesquite question. I do have some koa but the mesquite seems harder. I have also read different specs on the thickness of the plate, anywhere from 2.5mm(.098") to 3.5mm(.138"). I am building a j-185 and the plans that I have say 2.5mm. Any thoughts? Thanks very much for the input, Tim

[ken cierp]

I never heard of a bridge plate thicker than .100" by design.

[tim crain 54]

The Kinkade book states 3.5mm maple but most everything else that I have seen is in the 2.5mm (.10") range which is what I plan to go with. I have been reading post on the net in regard to other woods used for the bridge plate, seems to be quite a variety, from spruce to blackwood to osage orange. Most speak of hardness to resist being chewed up by the ball ends which is what I would think to be one of the most important factors in what you select. Thanks again for the help, I'll keep you posted on the results.