#1
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Harmony bridge plate overlay?
I've read that some have done a hardwood overlay on the bridgeplate on old Harmony guitars. I'm curious what size and thickness would work for this? What about just a very thin overlay of something hard, such as a platemate, or piece of laminate, like Formica?
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______________ ---Tom H --- |
#2
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Are you trying to fix a damaged plate? There may be better solutions.
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#3
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Hardwood overlays that I have used were typically around 1/16" by 5/8" by 2 3/4" long. I have used various hardwoods including sugar maple, rosewood, and black locust.
Formica would also work, but I draw the line on metal of any kind, including a PlateMate. |
#4
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Thanks. While the bridge plate isn't too bad right now, I think it might be prudent to do something to help protect it going forward. Harmony typically used spruce for the bridgeplate, not the toughest wood choice.
__________________
______________ ---Tom H --- |
#5
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I like messing with Harmony H162 and H165 guitars. They are ladder braced. I've taken a bunch of them apart. About half had spruce plates, half maple or birch (hard to tell at a glance). What they ALL have in common is that the plate goes all the way acrosss the guitar.
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#6
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A full width bridgeplate is normal for ladder braced guitars. In general, spruce is preferred over hardwood for sound in this application, but should have a hardwood overlay or insert if a pin bridge is used.
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#7
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Next time I have the strings off, I'll have to take a peek inside and see what it looks like. Then decide on what, if any next steps are needed. Thanks.
__________________
______________ ---Tom H --- |
#8
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Yeah that style guitar the bridge plate is really both a bridge plate and a brace. a very thin hardwood patch to take the ball end strings is a good idea.
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#9
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I have a guitar that needed an overlay and fashioned a platemate-style and sized overlay out of 3K 1mm thick carbon fiber panel. Used a scotch dot roller for on one side for the stickum. Works fine, strong, inexpensive, weighs nothing.
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#10
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Most any hardwood will do. Tough woods like sugar maple or beech are favored for split resistance. My preferred overlay is black locust, 1/16" thick by 5/8" wide. Length is not critical, but IMHO it should extend at least 1/4" past the outside edge of the bridge pin holes.
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