Break angle

Break angle (Full Version)

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X -> Break angle (Oct. 31 2009 17:42:13)
Hola, luthiers, Got this battered guitar whose first (high E) string had no break angle, I mean it was just a straight line from nut to tieblock. Couldn't find any drill bits long enough to convert to a standard 12-hole and didn't feel like removing the bridge, so I looked around for alternatives. Considered just tying a hard bead to the end of the string (like acoustic guitar steel strings) so asked a girlfriend for six mini-pearls from her necklace, but she refused (bummer-- I gave her the necklace). Next, toyed around with adding a tieblock extension with the proper holes below the tieblock, but it seemed a lot of trouble for just one string-- plus I didn't have any rosewood or ebony lying around. So I just drilled into the existing tie block. Attached, three pix of the result. In them you'll see a bass string, not a clear "E" string. I chose this so it'd show up better in the photos. I only did the first string, sort of as a proof-of-concept exercise. If I were to do it for all six strings, I'd probably route the tie block below the new holes and inlay a bone strip for support. Couldn't find anything like this in the archives. All comments appreciated.

X -> Break angle photo 1 (Oct. 31 2009 17:44:15)
Sorry, problems uploading the photos. Here's the first one. Images are resized automatically to a maximum width of 800px

X -> RE: Break angle photo 2 (Oct. 31 2009 17:46:01)
Here's the second photo. Images are resized automatically to a maximum width of 800px

X -> RE: Break angle photo 3 (Oct. 31 2009 17:49:56)
Photo 3 Images are resized automatically to a maximum width of 800px

gshaviv -> RE: Break angle (Oct. 31 2009 22:34:16)
Good job. I saw once someone use a regular six hole bridge and managed to tie his strings like a 12 hole by threading each string through the hole of the string next to it. I tried to find a picture but couldn't.

X -> RE: Break angle (Nov. 1 2009 12:47:00)
Huh. Now why didn't I think of that? I'm going to try it. Thanks, Guy. X.

bursche -> RE: Break angle (Nov. 2 2009 7:03:01)
I thought: This is so downright simple it can't work. So I tried it. Images are resized automatically to a maximum width of 800px

bursche -> RE: Break angle (Nov. 2 2009 7:04:51)
2 Images are resized automatically to a maximum width of 800px

bursche -> RE: Break angle (Nov. 2 2009 7:06:41)
3 - It's actually a noticeable improvement of the sound. There is no big change of volume as far as I can judge, but the sound is more "elastic" or "bouncy" [:)] Images are resized automatically to a maximum width of 800px

el topo -> RE: Break angle (Nov. 2 2009 9:27:56)
You can solder a drill bit into a small diameter length of brass tubing and drill new holes in an attached bridge, turning the bit by hand. Tedious but safe!

gshaviv -> RE: Break angle (Nov. 2 2009 10:21:20)
quote: I thought: This is so downright simple it can't work. So I tried it. How did you handle the 1st E string, no more holes... did you thread the B through the E and E through the B (which would have the B hole with 3 strings)

domzo -> RE: Break angle (Nov. 2 2009 10:27:26)
quote: I thought: This is so downright simple it can't work. 5 out of 6 strings recommend it [:D] Not sure what you do when you get to the top E and have nowhere to go... Maybe you could swap them in pairs -e.g. crossover 6 & 5, 4 &3 then 2 & 1..

XXX -> RE: Break angle (Nov. 2 2009 10:36:43)
only can do it with D and e string. I need bigger holes.

Ron.M -> RE: Break angle (Nov. 2 2009 10:39:15)
I think that's a brilliant idea, X! So, instead of making a 12 hole tie-block, you just make a 7 hole one! (with one offset) Genius!! cheers, Ron

bursche -> RE: Break angle (Nov. 2 2009 11:19:49)
quote: which would have the B hole with 3 strings Would never have fit, but three strings fit easily into the high E hole, as you don't have the G-string inside which ist too big in diameter. Best idea ever had, whoever exactly it was! Works like that: Images are resized automatically to a maximum width of 800px

bugeyed -> RE: Break angle (Nov. 2 2009 15:21:08)
How is that 1st string holding for you? Looks like it could slip. Otherwise, this looks like a brilliant idea if the holes are large enough!!!

krichards -> RE: Break angle (Nov. 3 2009 0:46:17)
quote: if the holes are large enough I've just been experimenting. I normally use a 12 hole bridge to get break angle because I think its important especially for players who play hard with a heavy hand. And it makes a big difference if you fit an under-saddle pickup because it provides more down force I think. The standard string hole is 1.5mm so first I went up to 2.0mm and found this just too tight to thread the E and G twice through the hole. On Normal D'Addarios the diameter of these two strings is about 1mm and higher tension strings are thicker still. So I tried 2.5mm holes and it works fine, so you can just the same break angle as the 12 hole bridge but with only 6 holes. The larger holes look a little strange but I could get used to it. I'd love to know what the seasoned professionals on the forum make of this?

bursche -> RE: Break angle (Nov. 3 2009 5:06:32)
quote: Looks like it could slip. It is maybe the greatest improvement that the strings hold their pitch MUCH, MUCH better now.

domzo -> RE: Break angle (Nov. 3 2009 7:41:54)
quote: Would never have fit, but three strings fit easily into the high E hole, as you don't have the G-string inside which ist too big in diameter. As you obviously have large holes could you do all 6 strings like you've done the top E - just looping each string over itself through the same hole?

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