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

This 4-string bridge is not what I expected!!!

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?

0 members like this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on August 9, 2016 at 9:07am

I see that the 3 string bridges have a hole under the saddle adjustment screws. Guessing that the string goes under and the saddle and up through the slot and over the top. That should work on your 4 string bridge fine.

I haven't seen any top load 4 string bridges. Other choice would be a 6 string top load Tele style bridge and remove 2 of the saddles. If your not using a bridge mounted pickup, them make a half Tele bridge that is top loading. May be pricey though.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Fomhorach on August 9, 2016 at 9:25am

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.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by darryl kernaghan on August 9, 2016 at 9:32am

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

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Fomhorach on August 9, 2016 at 10:28am

I don't like them. I was looking for mark

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Gilles C. Caron on August 9, 2016 at 10:20am

You could order this one...
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

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mark Jeghers on August 9, 2016 at 10:26am

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!!!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by JL on August 11, 2016 at 1:16am

Found this:

http://www.sd-instruments.com/product/set-of-black-4-saddle-hardtai...

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Regan on August 11, 2016 at 1:51am

Hmm, says topload but not sure how,,

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by JL on August 15, 2016 at 1:21am

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.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Cause the Blue rat on August 15, 2016 at 8:06am

False advertisement. That's not a top load bridge. That's a standard stop tail.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by smilingdog1 on November 22, 2016 at 6:22pm

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.