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Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | This from an email I received from George Lowden on the subject of pinless bridges:
Regarding the design advantages / disadvantages of my pin-less bridge:
the main downside could be that a pin-less bridge
will come off more easily than a pin bridge. But it is very important to realise that given the same climatic conditions a pin bridge will also lift off the soundboard at the back, the difference would be that a pin-less bridge is likely to separate completely or nearly so, ..... The way a pin bridge behaves under these same circumstances is obviously less dramatic - but must nevertheless be repaired the same way. Rarely does a bridge come off if the bridge is kept from drying out too much, so be very careful to humidify the guitar in dry periods - particularly if snow is on the ground, and central heating is on.
The main advantages of a pin-less bridge are to do with the tone characteristics. Because the rake angle taken by the strings over our saddles is shallower than on a pin bridge, I am not so restricted by structural considerations with the bracing / bridge interface. The bracing can then be designed in such a way that it encourages a lot of relatively complex oscillation modes, which in turn helps to give the Lowden its particular tone.
All experienced guitar makers know that creating unplanned for stress or tension in an instrument is not good for tone. The most critical area of the guitar where tension should be avoided as much as possible is the bridge and its joint to the soundboard. Any stress in there is going to damp and restrict the guitar's tone, volume and sustain. A pin-less bridge will be an 'easier' fit to the soundboard, provided it has been fitted expertly.
This is a complex subject of course and so maybe someday I'll write a book about my ideas of guitar design and construction.... but then it might be too technical ..... I'd have to include some stories to liven it up a little! Maybe someday |
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Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | Yes, Lowden has almost always used pinless bridges. So have most all classic guitars. |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12761
Location: Boise, Idaho | I just thought it was a good idea not to punch an extra 6 holes in the top. |
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Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | This thread reminds me of a line from Tom Cruise playing the part of a race car driver who knows nothing about race car handling: "I don't know why it goes so fast. All I do is stomp on the throttle and turn left"
I don't know why they sound so good. All I do is pound on the strings. |
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Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | Oh, don't forget those things called chords..... |
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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 713
Location: Alberta, Canada | Originally posted by cwk2:
Oh, don't forget those things called chords..... Chords???Is that really what they call those heavy strings?
Man, you learn somethin' new here everyday! |
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On Pinless Bridges...