6 PIN 12 STRING BRIDGE (shared pin method)

Got a new way of doing something? Or maybe an old method that needs some clarification.

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Abstraction
Beefwood
Posts: 21
Joined: Mon Sep 10, 2018 1:33 pm
Location: Moorooduc, Vic

Re: 6 PIN 12 STRING BRIDGE (shared pin method)

Post by Abstraction » Fri Apr 25, 2025 2:53 pm

Thanks Nick. This is a superb tutorial. Only one on internet I've seen.
My research suggests:
PROS
+ String break angle improved.
+ Fewer holes through the bridge, top and bridgeplate.
+ The bridge can be smaller so more of top to resonate. Some believe there is tone improvement.
+ Uncluttered: Often 12 pin bridges have strings nudging neighbouring pins. A little congested.
+ "Can customise the little gap between the octave/unisons , where as the 12 pin method dictates otherwise."

CONS
- Less gluing area with greater tension. Increased risk of bellying, bridge bulging.
- Changing strings means loosening two. Awkward for live performances.
- "It also means that both strings need to be carefully slotted and ramped to set the spacing (or you need a slotted saddle)."

So I'm thinking of increasing the bridge size to address risk of bullying or bridge bulging.

I'm after advice on how much to increase. Minimum. Too much I reduce some of the advantages. Width? Depth? Thickness? Not necessary?
Image
This is image of my grandson's chosen bridge shape superimposed over my 12-string dreadnought plan (and my soundboard.) Below options.
This is just depth:
received_1213287452993962.jpeg
Width and depth
received_1213287452993962.jpeg (294.96 KiB) Viewed 852 times
received_588049701066677.jpeg
Just depth
received_588049701066677.jpeg (329.11 KiB) Viewed 852 times
Oh. It changed the order and put the six string size at the bottom.

152x37.5mm = 6 string dimensions
152x42mm = more depth
172x47.5mm = depth and width
Attachments
FB_IMG_1745555162334.jpg
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Brett

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