Bridge replacement for '53/'54 X-150

[planetguy]

I have what i believe is a '53 or '54 X-150.... no serial number. it currently has a tune-o-matic bridge on it. sounds great amplified but since the gtr has very respectable acoustic volume i'd like to warm things up w wooden bridge.

can anyone tell me the proper radius and width/string spacing that i should be looking for?

thanks.

 

[guildman63]

As far as I know wooden bridges come unslotted and get slotted during the installation process based on the neck/nut width or to preference. As for the radius, I will check with my tech and see if he knows. He has worked on all of my vintage and modern Guilds, and is an authorized Guild service center. If you are in the Boston area let me know and you can take it to him in person.

 

[guildman63]

I just spoke with my guy, and his answer is the bridge blank may naturally conform to the top, but if not simply tape a piece of sandpaper to the top and gently rub the bottom of the bridge on the sandpaper either: a) until it conforms, or b) to make marks to identify what needs to be sanded, then sand by hand.

He also confirmed that the slots will be cut during the installation process to match the neck /nut, and the pickup as well.

 

[planetguy]

I just spoke with my guy, and his answer is the bridge blank may naturally conform to the top, but if not simply tape a piece of sandpaper to the top and gently rub the bottom of the bridge on the sandpaper either: a) until it conforms, or b) to make marks to identify what needs to be sanded, then sand by hand.

He also confirmed that the slots will be cut during the installation process to match the neck /nut, and the pickup as well.

thanks for the reply Guildman!

i've seen bridges sold both slotted and unslotted.

re radius....i was referring to the upper part of the bridge that should conform w the radius of the fingerboard.

 

[Walter Broes]

On a normal wooden saddle, it's not very hard to adjust the radius. Radii are all over the place on old Guilds, I don't think they had a set radius. You need a radius gauge to determine the radius on your guitar's fingerboard.