Ok, so I got a few 3-string bridges and a 4-string bridge. Used several 3-string bridges on some other projects and loved them.
Now I pulled out this 4-string bridge for the first time... and something is different! The little holes where you feed in the guitar strings are NOT in the back (like the 3-string version). They are on the BOTTOM. WTH!!!
How are we expected to use this? I'll have to drill additional holes ALL THE WAY down thru the bottom of the box, and I'll have to install some sort of little tubes to guide the strings all the way up from the bottom. This is lot of added work and complexity without a good reason why.
I suppose the other option is for me to drill additional holes in the back, but the metal is hard and I am certain my holes will be sloppy. Does anyone know of another 4-string bridge like this which does NOT have this amazing design flaw?
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Had the same problem once. What I did is used a grinding wheel and scored four notches on the edge of the angle in line with each string. then I followed up with holes drilled into where I scored the slots. Scoring the edge helped the drill bit sink in and removed most of the metal so it drill easily. Tail piece worked fine after that. Image shows where I scored.
Found this:
http://www.sd-instruments.com/product/set-of-black-4-saddle-hardtai...
Hmm, says topload but not sure how,,
False advertisement. That's not a top load bridge. That's a standard stop tail.
the one in the previous link is, as Wayfinder pointed out, is the type where the ball end catches inside the saddle instead of being threaded through a hole in the end bracket.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-String-Hardtail-Bridge-For-Mandolin-Ukule...
Or http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chrome-4-String-Bridge-Fixed-Bridge-For-Man...
But they look like 6 string bridge with only 4 saddles
Different hole spacing, and I've already drilled holes and positioned the bridge just right.
SOOOO .... here's what I'm gonna do. A) use the existing bridge and do the bottom-loading technique described by others here, and B) order TWO of these back-loading bridges for future projects!!!
I've been looking for top loading 4 string bridges and the only ones I see are just 6 string with the two from the sides removed.
They must be out there somewhere.. I'm going to keep looking.
Just buy the saddles Formerach,[dirt cheap] on the bay,and bend a bit of ali plate for a base,drill it to suit,I found it an easy fix
I don't like them. I was looking for mark
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