Gibson EH Bridge Advice please

[Tim R. Russell]

Hi, long-time lurker but first-time poster here!

I recently acquired a 1939 (I think) Gibson EH-100 for what I consider to be a very good price (at least here in the UK - £550).
It is all original and in great condition, including the original case. Electronics are perfect and no hum whatsoever which surprised me.
I believe it’s previous owner purchased it about 20 years ago from Gruhn Guitars in Nashville and had it shipped to the UK.

Upon receiving it I noticed that at some point in its life someone had cut some notches in the saddle.
This didn't really bother me until I went to replace the strings and found that the 3rd wound string was to wide for the notch, and noticed that the notches were not evenly distributed and were not perfectly vertical.
I am happy with how it plays and sounds but there is a slight buzzing which I think is coming from some of the 'saddles'. I realise that the lower break angle may also affect sustain.

I have 4 questions:
1. Given that I got the guitar for a good price, is it worth me hunting down and spending £££ on a vintage original replacement bridge from an investment point of view?
2. Would replacing the bridge make a noticeable difference to the buzzing/tone/volume/sustain etc?
3. Does anyone make a repro I could replace it with?
4. Would it be possible for someone with metalwork skills to fill the notches?

Thanks!
Tim
Northern Ireland

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[Jack Hanson]

It's a crying shame what some people have done to needlessly modify many classic instruments. In any event, take my advice with a grain of salt. Here are some opinions on your four questions:

1) Obtaining an original replacement bridge would seem to me your optimal solution, but they're scarce and if you do indeed find one, prepare to pay; most likely it'll be spendy.
2) Assuming you're using appropriately gauged strings for your tuning, an original replacement bridge should solve your buzzing issue, and will most likely only enhance your tone/volume/sustain.
3) I am aware of a man in Arizona who can reproduce your bridge, but it will be aluminum, not the original machined and plated brass. And it won't be inexpensive. PM me for his contact info if you're interested.
4) It's most likely possible, but I am unaware of anyone who might possess those skills.

In my opinion, as a temporary solution, I can think of two possible remedies. You could either remove the bridge from the instrument and grind or file the saddle down to eliminate the notches and approximate its original crown, or you could open up the notch of the buzzing string(s) with a nut file appropriately gauged for the string you're using. I would select the closest gauge file greater than the gauge of the string. It wouldn't hurt to polish off the notches with abrasive cord, such as the products marketed by Mitchell (available from StewMac and elsewhere).

https://www.stewmac.com/luthier-tools-a ... 977d4958e1

Hope this helps, and good luck!

[Gary Meixner]

Tim,

If the bridge is brass try taking it to a shop that repairs brass wind instruments. They may be able to fill in the slots with hard silver solder or alternately enlarge the slot and let in a piece of brass and silver solder it in place. They could probably even have the part re-plated if that mattered to you.

Best of luck,

Gary Meixner

[Tim R. Russell]

Thanks for the advice.
I’ve found a local firm that does all sorts of metalwork restoration so will give them a try first of all.