Constructing the bridge of Brian May's Red Special
This is a temporary list. I will create a more detailed description and include pictures when I have time.
Plan of Action
1. Cut the two end pieces from aluminium.
2. Cut the two single saddles.
3. Cut the centre two saddles (as one piece or two seperately).
4. File down each saddle to the correct size. The end saddles should be 8-10mm wider.
5. Using a junior hacksaw, cut two slots down each saddle, approx. 5mm apart. The depth of the slots will depend on
the size of the rollers. The rollers need to have sufficient access to 'roll' on there axis.
6. Using a file, round off the edges of the saddles.
7. Drill down each saddle inbetween the slots. This will remove the aluminium between the slots.
8. File down between the two slots of each saddle to make a perfectly square recess.
9. Using a junior hacksaw, make the slots for the axle in each saddle. The amount of slots can be either 5 or 6.
10. Drill a hole in the centre of each saddle (inside the recess).
11. Counter sink each hole (most likely using a larger drill bit, as a counter sink will not fit in the recess).
12. You will now need to reduce the height of each saddle. How much will depend on how you have contructed your guitar.
13. To create the axles use 1mm thick brass rod. Cut 6 to 7/8mm long.
14. You may need to file each end of the axle so that each end is flat, so that it can fit into the saddle slots.
15. Cut 6 pieces of 5mm stainless steel rod to 5mm wide.
16. File a groove down around the centre of each roller.
17. Drill a 1mm thick hole through the centre of each roller.
18. Place the axles through the centre of each roller.
19. Place each roller onto each saddle.