Acoustic bridge dimensions

[SolidFooting]

I'm building...well, I guess it's an E-E (Bass VI style) hybrid electric acoustic bass. Having never built an acoustic bridge for a bass, I'm wondering what concerns I should have regarding its dimensions, particularly its thickness.

My bridge is similar to the Martin style, but I tweaked the design a bit on this, and made a template 10-15% larger than normal. I already rough cut an old piece of rosewood for it, but haven't done anything to thickness it yet.

What would you recommend? How thick should it be, and does it sound like I'm on the right track? Thanks!

[Musiclogic]

Nope, definitely not on the right track. We have no idea how deep you are going to set your neck, if there will be an angle to the bridge, or a flat neck mount, also how tall you plan to make the saddle, and how much you want the saddle to sit proud of the bridge surface.

These are all factors taken into account before building an acoustic so you do not run into string/bridge height problems, string choke at the bridge holes, and misplacement of the bridge.

Once you know how much neck/fb is going to sit proud of the body, you have your first measure. Then if it is a flat neck mounting you calculate fret height and add 1/8" for total bridge/saddle height. You can always make the saddle shorter, or slot it. From here it's all saddle and nut adjustment and fretwork of course(if fretted).

Good Luck

[SolidFooting]

Well, yeah. I mean, I know all that. I haven't cut the neck pocket yet, so it can be whatever I want. I was just wondering about structural particulars regarding the extra tension of bass strings as opposed to guitar strings.

[Musiclogic]

for the top or the bridge, not much tension on the bridge, generally on the bridge plate under the top, as most of the force on the bridge is downward except at the back edge. Most acoustic basses bridges are very close to exactly the same dimensions as an acoustic guitar.

[SolidFooting]

I appreciate your help. That's just what I needed to know.