#1 resource for Cigar Box Guitars, Free Plans, How-To, Parts & More!

What random stuff have you used for a bridge?

Working on a dog bowl resonator at the moment and am struggling to find a suitable bridge. A couple of hardware store trips and looks around the fixings, drawer handles, plumbing sections have turned up nothing. In the past I've used bolts, hardwood, corner braces, but need to attach this differently. I'm not looking for advice so much but just wondering: what random, weird, interesting stuff have you used for a bridge?

Thanks!

2 members like this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Blues Frog on November 7, 2022 at 10:59am

Muddy,

Probably the most random piece I ever used for a bridge was an old door latch. It worked great. I have also used bolts and made my own bridges with plastic rod on wood. Also made several with bone pieces. One was even cast in resin.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Taffy Evans on November 10, 2022 at 11:08am

Hi Muddystone, my bridges are not "out there" so to speak, I look for what is going to give me the best sound. But if my build is fully electric It's not so important.

I use wood/ bone combinations for acoustic CBGs and for electric CBGs any metal object that can be fashioned into a bridge. The wrap-over bridge on the right would be unsuitable for an acoustic guitar in both material and position.

I know you're not looking for advice...but, check out all the many photos posted here, I recon your request may have already been posted. Good luck.
Taff

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Carl Floyd on November 12, 2022 at 3:23am

My wraparound bridge CBG has good volume & resonance. Surprised me.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Doug Laffin on December 8, 2022 at 6:11pm

I'm using a lamb shank bone on my current build.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jerry Jordan on December 9, 2022 at 1:22am

I like dominos, plastic chopsticks, Walnut wedges, Bamboo chopsticks, fretwire, coat hanger wire, all-thread, bolts, bone, and other random stuff. The arm off a pair of cheap glasses works well. Plastic tooth brush handles.,

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Muddytone on December 12, 2022 at 12:50am

Some magnificent guitars (/decor/finishes/lightning f-holes) and tremendous ideas here. I'm blown away by the domino suggestion - they'd make good nuts too, and I bet I could get a nice bone set a lot cheaper than a 4" piece sold for guitar work. Looking at lambs a little differently too now ...