Original bridge height of early gibson A4 required.

[Mike Keen]

Repair of the the 1906 Gibson A4 continues. It's now back in one piece - fretboard. The fretboard was off when I got it and it had been attached by something resembling floor adhesive.

The bridge that came with it was a flat piece of ebony about 1/8th wide with a height of only 5/16th inch. This is much lower than my 1921 A3 and 1925 A1. I need to set the correct angle for the fretboard. Does anyone know what bridge height and style would have originally been fitted. All the Gibson of that period in the archive seem to have different style of bridges so I'm a bit confused.

Thanks again everyone.

Mike

[Mike Keen]

Frank or other you early Gibson experts.

 

I'm pleased to report that the A4 is back in one piece and I tuned it up today for the first time. I used medium  Phos/bronze strings and it sounds fantastic. Slightly quieter than my other Gibsons, but very easy to play and sensitive - very pleasing to the ear.

Just one slight worry. When the strings are tensioned the front of the tailpiece rests on the soundboard. This must be normal for Gibsons of this vintage. Should I let it rest directly on the finish or should I put some felt or paper, underneath.

 

Regards Mike