journeyman - 11-8-2007 at 06:06 PM
Does anyone have any suggestions for tying the plain strings high to compensate for action that is too low? I can tie the wound strings high with no
problem as the string windings hold them up. The plain ones however slip down as soon as I tune up to pitch.
Thanks,
Roy
teslim - 11-8-2007 at 06:19 PM
roy. you can put a small spacer (piece of wood) on the top side of the bridge to give you the necessary height adjustment. i do this on my mustapha
oud because the top has deflected over time and i couldn't get the strings to clear the fretboard enough with the normal bridge height. it works fine
and doesn't seem to affect the tone... also the spacer is just held in position with the string tension so you don't need to glue it. if it is the
same color wood as the bridge it tends to disappear...good luck
journeyman - 11-8-2007 at 06:33 PM
Thanks Teslim. What about filling the holes and redrilling them higher?
Roy
SamirCanada - 11-8-2007 at 09:31 PM
I guess if there is sufficient room you could prepare a mixture of glue and sanding dust of the same wood and use it to fill the holes. I dont know
how well it would turn out but the main problem is drilling new holes... you need the right tools to get in there and do a good job with the holes.
its probably not worth buying for a one time deal.
what about making a new bridge?
Iam in Mississauga tomorow by the way.
what are you doing tomorow nite? Iam staying at the hilton there.
Dr. Oud - 11-9-2007 at 10:31 AM
I would NOT reccomend redrilling the holes. The string loops can be snugged up tight near the top of the bridge before tightening the strings, but if
you drill the holes too near the top of the bridge it might fail without enough wood above the holes. I also tie a half hitch at the end of the nylon
strigns to prevent them from slipping in the loop winding. This can also help keep the loop tight against the string tension.
journeyman - 11-9-2007 at 01:25 PM
Thanks for the information Doc. The bridge on this oud is rounded, which makes it almost impossible to keep the plain strings from sliding back down.
I was also concerned about putting the holes too close to the top of the bridge. What about levelling it off and gluing on another piece of wood to
increase the overall height and mass of the bridge, and then drilling new holes?
Roy