Need source for repro rosewood bridges

[Frank Capo]

I have two ongoing projects that will require accurate repro rosewood bridges. Fabrication is way beyond my ability. In both cases, neither removed bridge is salvageable,except perhaps as a stack, but can be used as templates. One is for a 12string Mossman GP, and the other is for a 46 J45. So, I need the services of a luthier, or someone that against all odds, has one available for sale. If someone can provide me with either, let me know either in a reply (if appropriate for this board) or privately, if this board has a private communication mode. Thanks.

[Donald A. Fortune]

Hey Frank?? Have you tried  www.lmii.com??

or maby you can find one on e/bay or another web site.

best to you in searching for the piece you need.

Peace,  Donald

[Donald A. Fortune]

I just looked on e/bay and put in j45 Gibson guitars for a search and saw a bunch of bridges that might be what you are looking for -- give it a try.......

Peace, Donald

[Frank Capo]

Don, Thanks but I have been scouring eBay for a while. They are belly bridges. I need a postwar rectangular. Also bought a few 12 string bridges and none matchup well.

[Frank Ford]

I'd never expect to find a suitable bridge for anything but the most standard instruments, so I suspect you'll find that if you intend to do bridge replacement  you'll need to get into making them yourself.  It's what we've all been doing - partly because having custom repro bridges made would get expensive in a hurry.  That said, if you have a budget of $100 or more each, you can probably get nice bridges made by one of many skilled luthiers, some of whom may be lurking around here.

[Frank Capo]

Frank - Yes I would expect to pay on that order for a good repro. I realize most luthiers would prefer to do the complete job of fabricating and installing so I realize finding a fabricator may not be easy. Still hoping I can make contact with Gibson to possibly get a bridge through their shop...but seems like a long shot.

The Mossman 12string bridge was shaved down so it possibly can be stacked if that is a reasonable approach. Thanks.

[Hesh Breakstone]

What Frank said.

There are also advantages to making your own or having a Luthier make the repros.  For example I never slot the bridges that I make and use on my own creations or repair guitars beforehand anymore.  Why?  Because slotting the bridge on the guitar provides one with the opportunity to correct compensation and scale legnth issues.  Even some of the biggest names in the industry have not been immune to gluing on the originals in the wrong place....

In addition you also have control over bridge height when you make your own or have them made for you but not in issolation with the entire guitar available to the Luthier for inspection/measurments.  Issues with the finish being cut back too much may be addressed with ever so slightly expanded footprints too.

Anyway it's what we all do, make em as we need em and most of the time this is the only option anyway.

[Frank Capo]

All - thanks for your input. Yes it would be the ticket if I could do the fabrication, but I am not equipped to do so...and am better off doing the phases of the job that I can handle.

The situation on the J45 is that a larger rectangular bridge was installed. It appears that the footprint area has been is slightly enlarged from the original, while the replacement bridge is about 1/8 inch larger. For now I will trim down the bridge and reinstall it...it will look better, but it is not an exact replica. For one, it is not graduated in height as the vintage Gibson bridges.

As far as the 76 Mossman GP 12 string, it is suffering from the well known "agony of de feet". I have researched and plan to execute the fix as documented by several sources close to the late Stuart Mossman. I have removed the bridge, neck and pick guard, but need someone to make a bridge using the sanded down original.

Hesh - I think that I found your website...have a bookmark that references a move to Ann Arbor Guitars...is that you? If so, nice generous amounts of information there...and superb work being done. Thanks.