Picked up this classic archtop style guitar from the 50’s. what a beautiful piece of work.
Unfortunately the neck is needing a reset meaning that the guitar is pulling itself into a “U” shape under tension. The action is so high that you can put your hand between the strings and fretboard at the neck.
I don’t really want to invest or take the chance of ruining the instrument because it sounds great, so in the meantime, I though I would try to lower the action and make a new floating bridge and saddle for this guitar as I think this is not the original anyway.
You can see there are no adjuster wheels between the saddle and bridge. This thing already has the action slammed.
Yes, the drawing is necessary…
The saddle mocked up.
Still really no reason for the adjuster wheels. The saddle and bridge from Padauk wood I had from an old broken toy boat. The dust was so red it stained my clothing and hands.
Much more playable, but honestly, lutherie has come a long way since this guitar was built and modern instruments resonate louder and just plain play easier in my experience.
Made a 3D printed replica of the original pickguard in Fusion360 and made brass mounting hardware to fit it. I have decided not to touch the existing finish and let the patina stand.