Pyramid Guitar Bridge

Back in the 90's I had to hand carve these from scratch. I actually got pretty good at it although it was a skill I didn't necessarily want. I refuse to say how long it took.

Excellent start point for bridge restoration but watch the quality doesn't drop StewMac. I'm just completing the restoration of 1897 Martin 0-28 and its a real time saver. Like Bruce Herrman I prefer to keep to as close a spec as the original, hence notched saddle. To complete the effect I've found it necessary to produce my own large headed bone bridge pins but really worthwhile I believe.

I've always purchased these un-slotted and un-drilled. The 1 x 6 size is about right. I do some modifications to get a bit closer to Martin's old bridges but find them to be a good starting point when I don't have time to make one from scratch.
In some situations I like to restore the guitar to an original look and will cut the saddle slot straight, non-compensated. I made up a jig that allows this bridge to drop in, set up my router and in two or three passes I have a perfect saddle slot. Adjust it a bit and I can compensate the saddle slot easily. Nice bridge for many instruments.

I used one of the un-slotted and drilled bridges for my custom OO build. Combined with the Golden Age Restoration tuners, it had a real old time look and feel.

A good shop customer brought me a 1897 Style Washburn parlor guitar for a bridge replacement. The guitar was in pretty rough shape, but he wanted it be as close to the original look and playability as it could get.
This Pyramid Bridge is a replica of the original for this guitar although it's a little smaller from bass side to treble side... about 1/16" shorter from the original. In this instance, not a big deal.
What's really neat is that the pyramids look as if they have been hand carved which amped up the vintage vibe and looked completely natural on this 1910's Washburn. After replacing the bridge plate with a piece of the customer's 100 yr. old rosewood (totally awesome), the bridge went on perfectly and looked great. My customer and I could not have been happier with it!