replacement bridge for dobro h33

[robbie]

Hello there,
I have been advised to seek help on MM's forum, regarding a replacement bridge / saddle for a dobro h33. (maple / ebony)
I have sourced them in canada and america but was wondering if anyone knows a supplier in the uk, no big deal if not ....I will then purchase it for abroad.

thanks for your help
regards

[Michael Messer]

Hi Robbie,

Welcome to the forum.

If you are based in the UK, you can get a replacement bridge for your Dobro from Dave King, Pete Woodman, or John Alderson. All three luthiers specialize in resonator guitars. If you want one mailed to you to fit yourself, your best bet will probably be Pete Woodman.

I would not recommend an ebony capped bridge as it not necessary. Dobros & Nationals were originally fitted with boxwood or maple. I think it brightens them up too much and takes away warmth from the bass.

Make sure you tell the luthier what bridge your 33H has - a spider bridge or a biscuit bridge.

Shine On
Michael

[robbie]

Hi Michael,
many ,many thanks for your swift reply, Im knocked out ... I have sent an email off to pete woodman re my wee problem

I will keep you informed . thanks for your help

regard
robbie

[Michael Messer]

My pleasure Robbie.

Keep in touch,

Shine On
Michael

[robbie]

Hi Michael,
I have sent off a couple of e mails to pete but unfortunatly have not received a reply, I have therefore sent off to stewart macdonalds for the parts,..................however whilst trying to set up the dobro h33 ( spider bridge ) I have noticed a big problem with the intonation.. it is sharp at the 12th fret I am aware of the remedial action but I cannot move the spider/cone sufficiently to correct the intonation. I wonder if you have come across this problem before?your advice would be greatly accepted. Many thanks robbie.

[Michael Messer]

Hi Robbie,

That is most unlike Pete. He must be away.

You should be able to correct the intonation problem by twisting the spider a fraction to compensate for the sharp note.

Resonator guitars are always slightly out, but it's nothing to worry about. Just get it as good as you can by twisting the spider. If you want more than that can offer, then you are looking at a neck reset.

I hope that helps.

Shine On
Michael

[LouisianaGrey]

I haven't been around much, and it's been ages since I've signed on here for various reasons, but I did reply to the emails - for some reason my replies don't seem to have got through although I haven't had any bounce messages. Sorry about that.

[robbie]

I have sent off another e mail to pete re the bridge.......................hopefully this time

regards

[robbie]

I have spoke to pete and ordered a couple of maple bridges
thats ....the first hurdle behind me, the next is sourcing the correct tool to adjust the truss rod on the dobro.
I have tried with the box spanners at my disposal but find I need something of the correct size for the distance across the adjusting nut .....but most importantly it needs to have a very thin wall thickness to allow access down the narrow bore hole onto the truss rod adjuster, its a very tight space, just wondering if anyone has an thoughts on the matter

cheers
robbie

[Michael Messer]

Hi Robbie,

When your Dobro 33H was new it came with a tool for adjusting the truss rod. Getting one these days won't be easy, but not impossible. Here's a couple of leads; contact Marc Schoenberger (easy to find on Google) and ask his advice. He used to work at OMI Dobro and may have some old bits'n'pieces hanging around. Also try Dave King. He may know how to find the right tool. I would go to Marc first, as he worked there.

Happy hunting!

Shine On
Michael.

[robbie]

thanks michael.......................how did I manage without you..........( or mabye I didn't )

cheers your a pal

regards
robbie

[Colin McCubbin]

Re: Dobro intonation problems.

As Michael says, twisting the spider can help, but if you can't get enough adjustment that way here is 'plan B'. ;D

Depending on how badly 'out' the intonation is, you might consider trying an offset spider. These were fitted to some fiddle edge instruments in the late 1930's when Dobro (actually Regal) fitted a batch of fingerboards which were wrongly fretted for the scale length.

The slot for the bridge piece is not centered in the casting, as per normal, but is offset about an eighth of an inch. So by putting it with the slot nearer the neck you shorten the scale length by that amount, and by putting it with the slot towards the tail you lengthen it.

The only source for these nowadays that I know about is Paul Beard in the USA, the page can be found at:

www.beardguitars.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=RO&Category_Code=B

All Dobro repairmen ought to keep a couple of these in stock, they are a simple 'fix' for a not un-common problem..

Cheers,

Colin

[robbie]

Thanks colin, I am knocked out by the help received on this forum, I will add the address to my favourites and if I cannot correct the problem michael;s way then it will be a call to mr beard

many thanks both colin and michael, your help is greatly appreciated

[Michael Messer]

Hi Robbie,

Colin's advice about offset bridges is definitely worth considering. I have never seen one of these bridges in an OMI Dobro, only in 1930s fiddle-edge round-neck Dobros. I don't think a spider bridge would cost very much, so it may well be worth a try. If all else fails, you will have to get the neck reset to correct the intonation problem.

Thanks for your kind words. It is a pleasure to help.

Shine On
Michael

[Colin McCubbin]

The offset spiders that Paul sells are $50 US. Cheaper than a neck reset!

I don't know where Robbie lives? UK or US or ?