Tips and Tricks: Slotting a bridge

(00:35) Fit the pins first
(01:45) The saws I use
(02:20) Marking the slots and cutting
(03:10) Fitting the string
(04:00) Slotting vs Ramping
(07:04) The Big Saw
(08:15) Using your thumb as a gauge
(09:50) Rotating the saw
(13:38) Looking at with the saddle in place
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Playlists:
Guitar Comparisons- • Guitar Comparisons
Evaluating Guitars- • Evaluating Guitars
Guitar Repair Technique- • Guitar Repair
1970's Martins- • 1970's Martins
Shop Tools and Layout- • Shop Tools and Layout
Questions and Answers- • Questions and Answers
Just Playing- • Just Playing
Instructional- • Instructional
Mandolins- • Mandolins

[@johngeddes7894]

I swear, Bryan, you must be reading my mind. I’ve been thinking about this a LOT, lately. Great topic and demo.

[@KASKASM]

I wish you weren’t retired and lived close to me so you’d fix up all my guitars! Great video even for someone like me who gets professionals to do my repairs.

[@Bryankimsey]

If you don't DIY, I try to educate you so that you know what a good job looks like and WHY. Of course, other luthiers hate it when you come in and say "Hey, there's this guy on the Internetwebthingy who says....".

[@thepokerpilotapp]

Well, despite you indicating this is an advanced class I’m going to hang around.

[@Bryankimsey]

It'll sink in. :)

[@markmacalik9693]

Thanks, Bryan! One question, don't know if i missed it but i was wondering, are the bridge pins unslotted?

[@Bryankimsey]

Yes. You could turn slotted pins but I much prefer using non slotted

[@martinburke-x4i]

good stuff Bryan! hey a D18 with herringbone? is that tape or the reel thing? was that a owner who added that?

[@Bryankimsey]

Someone added it. I used to have a D-18 V sunburst with h/bone. It was a NICE guitar... I just didn't have a niche for it.

[@robmiller3464]

Hi Bryan, in you’re opinion would my Martin OO-18 benefit audibly to a slotted bridge? Would I be able to hear a difference sonically. It is 5 years old and played daily Bryan. I have a good ear and compared my OO-18 to many of my friends larger guitars and it sounds so nice. Not sure if playing it so much has contributed to its beautiful resonance and sustain. Your opinion please. Thank you Rob

[@Bryankimsey]

It's more of a structural thing, with some slight sonic benefits. See the video reference at the end of this one. I don't think an unslotted bridge has ever left my shop. Slotted... contact with bridgeplate, no bent pins or jammed string balls, less bridgeplate wear. Unslotted...no advantages except being easier in a high output factory situation.

[@davefengler4266]

What are the consequences of to high of a break angle? Say 45 degrees or more? Obviously, there are more pulling forces on the bridge to possibly split it, especially with a thru slot bridge. What sonically does to high of a break angle do?

[@Bryankimsey]

Sonically, I don't care because the structural stuff is more important. Too sharp an angle = broken or leaning saddle, cracked bridge. Too low...not enough bite on the saddle resulting in buzzy notes.

[@weed491]

I slot every guitar I get , whether it’s a Martin or even on cheap guitars.