Guild archtop bridges

[jp]

I was wondering what kind of variation there has been with the Guild archtop wooden bridges over the years. I'm interested in the radius of the actual bridge, and the shape of the base. The base on my T-100 has a slight arch under it. Many Guild archtops I've seen have a flat bottom base. Were all the bases flat on the bottom like this?

Almost all aftermarket replacement bridges have the bases that look like this.

Anyone? Hans?

 

[hideglue]

jp,
Any bridge base should have an equal radius to the archtop its going on.
As new they appear quite flat.
A normal procedure is to adhere (double stick tape) sandpaper to the top of the guitar.

 

[jp]

jp,
Any bridge base should have an equal radius to the archtop its going on.
As new they appear quite flat.
A normal procedure is to adhere (double stick tape) sandpaper to the top of the guitar.

Thanks hideglue. I do know that much. I'm more interested in authenticity of original parts. Although my T-100 seems deadstock--a closet classic--the base of the bridge looks different from most others I've seen on Hoboken Guilds, which have all been completely flat, with no arch in the middle at all. Here's a pic of my '59 T-100 bridge.

The top of the bridge is a recent acquisition by a seemingly reputable seller, who often has Guild parts. The radius matched better than the original bridge. I'm experimenting a little, but I want to maintain originality too.

 

[Guildocaster]

Sorry, this is a little off topic but I have been looking for a metal compensated (for unwound G) bridge for my Starfire III P-90. If anyone has one or knows where to get one I would appreciate hearing from you.
Thanks!
Dave

 

[Guilderagain]

Hi JP,

Do you mean the saddle (the piece that the strings rest on)? This is determined by the fretboard radius. StewMac sells radius guages ... or the base? As Hideglue mentioned, the base needs to be custom fitted to the top of the guitar. From what I understand, Hideglue's description is the easiest way. However, there are violin makers that can hand carve these pieces - yikes! I took note that the bases on my X-150 and X-170 have the serial numbers and the base/treble position.

Good luck!

Alex
PS I took note StewMac's archtop bridge has a 13" radius only. Looks like that's were you got your pictures from.

 

[ave del noche]

Here's a pic of my '59 T-100 bridge.

jp -- I have a 59 T-100 that has the same lower half of the bridge. The guitar is all original otherwise, so I have no reason to believe it is a replacement.

 

[jp]

Hi Eric,
Thanks for the info. I didn' suspect it was, since everything else on the guitar is original. Just wanted to be absolutely sure.
So you finally scored a '59 T-100? With Franz PUs too? Post some pics!

Maybe a topic for inclusion on the Guild Book II, Hans? Different types of wooden archtop bridges on Guilds?

 

[ave del noche]

Yep...my friend decided to part with his so I bought it. I think he got it from someone here (on ebay, however). I don't have any good photos of it yet, but I'll try and take some and send them to you. It has the Franz pickups and sounds/plays great. It does feedback pretty easily, but has been great for recording.

 

[jp]

Congrats! In my SFIII renovation, I'm going to try to install a sound post myself. I'll let you know how it goes.