Wooden Bridges not to be confused with covered Bridges

Papajewrry · #1 07-01-2008, 04:19 PM

I'm in the planning stage of my first bass build. I would l'd like to do a four string fretless. I am considering a wooden bridge/tailpiece.
Has this been done? Am I getting in over my head? Please help before I get in deep water.

FrizzleFry · #2 07-01-2008, 04:22 PM

Something Like this?

envika · #3 07-01-2008, 04:25 PM

They're not difficult to make at all, but they seem to be unpopular. Someone else would probably do better explaining.

Papajewrry · #4 07-01-2008, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrizzleFry

Something Like this?

That is cool! Possibly simpler.

Yvarg · #5 07-01-2008, 05:14 PM

The main reason I would consider them to be unpopular is because it generally makes grounding to all of the strings a lot harder (unless you have a metal nut).

SDB Guitars · #6 07-01-2008, 06:01 PM

It seems that with many active preamps, you don't have to ground the strings... still haven't figured that one out, exactly.

Papajewrry · #7 07-01-2008, 06:21 PM

I don't think my es-175 copy has the strings grounded.

Lizooki · #8 07-01-2008, 06:24 PM

From the how-to section....
wood bridge tutorial ...

That one is great, but it could be done simpler.

Matt

SDB Guitars · #9 07-01-2008, 06:35 PM

I make the simplest of wooden bridges... fine adjustability is nice, but I've found that I can intonate to within 5 cents just by rough0placing a straight bridge, and then I file in some compensation from there.

Also, I think they just look more organic and clean.

::EDIT:: Of course, if you change string guages, you have to move the bridge around a bit, but since it's floating, it's not a bit issue.

Son of Magni · #10 07-01-2008, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDB Guitars

It seems that with many active preamps, you don't have to ground the strings... still haven't figured that one out, exactly.

+1, that's exactly it. With active pre, the length of unbuffered signal is very short and can be done with co-ax. So there's much less opportunity for interference to hit your signal. I've only had to ground strings if using vintage design pups, or passive basses.

Dirk Diggler · #11 07-02-2008, 09:36 AM

Here's a solution that solves the grounding issues well. I did use existing Hipshot saddles the rest is Wenge and Ziricote.
I ran a wire to the bottom of the one screw and that then contacts the copper sheet.

I think it sounds great, good luck.
Dirk

Georynn · #12 07-02-2008, 10:32 AM

That is a damn sexy bass...!

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDB Guitars

I make the simplest of wooden bridges... fine adjustability is nice, but I've found that I can intonate to within 5 cents just by rough0placing a straight bridge, and then I file in some compensation from there.

Also, I think they just look more organic and clean.

::EDIT:: Of course, if you change string guages, you have to move the bridge around a bit, but since it's floating, it's not a bit issue.

fretlessman71 · #13 07-02-2008, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDB Guitars

I make the simplest of wooden bridges... fine adjustability is nice, but I've found that I can intonate to within 5 cents just by rough0placing a straight bridge, and then I file in some compensation from there.

Also, I think they just look more organic and clean.

::EDIT:: Of course, if you change string guages, you have to move the bridge around a bit, but since it's floating, it's not a bit issue.

Gorgeous! So what kind of piezo pickup would you install in a bass like that? Clearly that's your only option, and I'm guessing it'd have to fit under the bridge and use the string pressure to get it up and running.... or am I way off base?

Georynn · #14 07-02-2008, 10:58 AM

I just read your build log on that one, did you ever put magnetic p'ups in it?

Wenge Short Scale 4-string

fretlessman71 · #15 07-02-2008, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Georynn

I just read your build log on that one, did you ever put magnetic p'ups in it?

Link, please....

SDB Guitars · #16 07-02-2008, 12:18 PM

LOL... wow, that's a lot of interest, all of a sudden. Let me see if I can address your questions

Quote:

Originally Posted by Georynn

That is a damn sexy bass...!

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by fretlessman71

Gorgeous! So what kind of piezo pickup would you install in a bass like that? Clearly that's your only option, and I'm guessing it'd have to fit under the bridge and use the string pressure to get it up and running.... or am I way off base?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Georynn

I just read your build log on that one, did you ever put magnetic p'ups in it?

Wenge Short Scale 4-string

Quote:

Originally Posted by fretlessman71

Link, please....

I actually installed a MM pickup in it. The scale is short enough and the string spacing just narrow enough that the pole pieces don't quite line up on the E string, but it sounds balanced when I plugged it in. I'm going to record a cew clips sometime this week, and link them in the original thread.

I considered a piezo pickup, and if I was to do that, I'd laminate it into the bridge, so that it was close to the strings. I might even have used a bone saddle at that point.

I was installing the electronics last night, and I had to route a little deeper in the control cavity (my volume pot had a short shaft). While doing this, the router bit *moved* in the collet, and it it punched right through the top. I almost had a fit.

I made a top-mounted wooden control cover (a la Carl Thompson), but it wouldn't have been my *first* choice, that's for sure.

I'll update the thread here in a day or so, with pictures, sound clips, etc.

fretlessman71 · #17 07-02-2008, 06:43 PM

What kind of piezo might you have considered? I have a bass that might need something like that...

SDB Guitars · #18 07-02-2008, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fretlessman71

What kind of piezo might you have considered? I have a bass that might need something like that...

Likely I'd disassemble a GHOST setup and use those. I've heard that you get better string definition if you use a separate element for each string. On the other hand, I might have just gone with a standard element (maybe even something initially designed for acoustic guitar) embedded just under the surface of the bridge, or under a bone saddle.

fretlessman71 · #19 07-02-2008, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDB Guitars

Likely I'd disassemble a GHOST setup and use those. I've heard that you get better string definition if you use a separate element for each string. On the other hand, I might have just gone with a standard element (maybe even something initially designed for acoustic guitar) embedded just under the surface of the bridge, or under a bone saddle.

Would something like this involve cutting the bridge apart lengthwise (like a hot dog bun, maybe?) and installing it, then gluing it back together?

I fear my questions are worthless without pics... I wish my camera was working...

**Rodent** · #20 07-02-2008, 07:07 PM

this wooden bridge with a single piezo saddle sounds 'pretty nice'

a little bit of a pain to get the saddle just right, but then I haven't set up many acoustics before so I had a learning curve to getting it all right on the first try with that piezo saddle

all the best,

R