Is there any reason I couldn't make saddles from the scrap cedar that comes with the boxes? I am worried that the wood will be too soft. I was just going to put a slot in it and use a non slotted bridge out of brass rod.
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I use the same wood from the boxes all the time. I've never had a problem yet.In fact I used that wood on 2 builds just today. I use it and never look back.
However I DO use a bolt on top of the wood to help offset the soft wood somewhat.I hate to throw that wood away and I use it whenever I can.
Cedar, as mentioned, is really a pretty soft wood. You could always try mounting something harder onto it like bone or metal, or use oak, ebony, wenge, or just about any hard grain wood and lay your strings cross grain.
If you are doing a floating bridge system you can experiment with a few different types.
I just try to use whatever I have on hand, and not buy anything unless I have to. I have scraps of red oak and/or poplar I could make them out of too, I just thought the cedar might be a little easier to sand to shape. I have a drum sander attachment for my drill press that works pretty well for shaping.
Pros v/s Cons...
Pro - Free...scrap in box anyway
Pro- Shape...the box "linings" take little to make them the perfect shape/size
Pro-Box retains more of it's Mojo....ok, thats a stretch, but it was part of the box to start...
Pro - Did I mention Free already?
Con - Might be too soft for acoustic only....electrics are more forgiving in that aspect
Con - It aint bone, ebony, mahogany etc.
Con - can't really think of another...
If you spend an hour making the perfect saddle from the cedar linings from the box...and you dont like it...you have not wasted any money, or an hour...you have learned how to make the perfect saddle...Try it...then tell US how it worked out.
Replies
I've done it... ok, just ok
the best,
Wichita Sam
However I DO use a bolt on top of the wood to help offset the soft wood somewhat.I hate to throw that wood away and I use it whenever I can.
If you are doing a floating bridge system you can experiment with a few different types.
Steve Tourtellotte also makes them: http://www.mandolinbridge.com/bridges.htm
I'll go ahead and recommend the picks from Steve also.
RR
Iggy said:
Pro - Free...scrap in box anyway
Pro- Shape...the box "linings" take little to make them the perfect shape/size
Pro-Box retains more of it's Mojo....ok, thats a stretch, but it was part of the box to start...
Pro - Did I mention Free already?
Con - Might be too soft for acoustic only....electrics are more forgiving in that aspect
Con - It aint bone, ebony, mahogany etc.
Con - can't really think of another...
If you spend an hour making the perfect saddle from the cedar linings from the box...and you dont like it...you have not wasted any money, or an hour...you have learned how to make the perfect saddle...Try it...then tell US how it worked out.
Mark Werner said:
I make "Red Henry" style bridges (with no separate saddle) from hard maple...They work well.