DBrooker - Posted - 07/20/2009:  13:25:04

Question - I got this Galveston square neck dis-assebled and was less than impressed with the quality of the cast spider in it - I have the ability to create CNC files so I can make a spider from 1/4" thick aluminum, I would compensate for thickness in the design by increasing the width in certain areas - I should also mention I know a guy that has to CNC plasma cutters about 20 miles away I would make the part for the bridge separate - In anyones opinion would there be a market for these? OK, I know price would play a part so comment on price as well - They would be totally flat and would not need to be bent, sanded, etc. As far as tone, etc. I obviously won't know nor will anyone else until they would put one in there instrument - Even if I said I thought the tone was great after I put it in my instrument that doesn't mean everybody would agree or believe me - I figure it was worth asking about - Everybody join in

Edited by - DBrooker on 07/20/2009 13:27:11

alaya - Posted - 07/20/2009:  13:34:35

No. 14 spiders which are the standard most all the quality custom builders use retail for about $50. and sound great. In order to compete I'd think yours would need to perform markedly better, or cost less.

Eric Abernathy - Posted - 07/21/2009:  07:34:10

you never know unless you try. I recently saw/played/tested one that was cut with a water jet and i was not impressed. when you tap it with something it should ring very crisp and bell like.

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DBrooker - Posted - 07/21/2009:  07:48:54

Eric - Thanks for your comment - whether the aluminum is cut with a waterjet or plasma the end result would be about the same - I'm just one of those guys that's always looking to improve things if it's possible and practical - DB

Greg Booth - Posted - 07/21/2009:  08:35:48

I think it needs to be cast to sound good, the internal structure of cast versus plate is quite different.

Greg Booth
myspace.com/akslider

Eric Abernathy - Posted - 07/21/2009:  17:04:39

now if you could ever get a hold of any aircraft aluminum yo might have something. They make the corinthian bell windchimes out of that stuff and it rings some amazing tones

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Tom Jr. - Posted - 07/22/2009:  04:47:48

I think the different types of metals that could be used in a CNC process may open up new possibilities. The rough texture of the cast spider always bothered me and I polished mine as good as possible.
How do you plan to attach the separately made bridge? I see potential problems there with a separation of materials like that.
I do like your idea.

Don''t squat with your spurs on.

DBrooker - Posted - 07/22/2009:  05:14:18

Tom Jr. - There are several possible ways - But at this point based on the responses on this forum and from other sources I've basically decided the time and effort would not be worth going forward - It seems that everyone is pretty much satisfied with what is available at this time with the exception of me and you - Thanks again for everyones comments - DB

alaya - Posted - 07/22/2009:  05:21:48

quote:

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How do you plan to attach the separately made bridge? I see potential problems there with a separation of materials like that.

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Edited by - alaya on 07/22/2009 05:23:14

davidmaulik - Posted - 07/22/2009:  08:03:58

If you have the ability to design and machine a bridge I would say go for it. What would you loose from trying (besides a few bucks). And if you have the ability to design and try something new why reuse the same materials. Why not try brass, bronze or something else?

DBrooker - Posted - 07/22/2009:  08:15:05

David - I'm pretty sure brass and bronze are not easily cut by plasma cutters and that's what I have access to - Thanks for the suggestion though - My friend had some 1/4" thick aluminum on hand and that's why I posed the question - DB

jaykellogg - Posted - 07/22/2009:  09:04:04

I am an engineer and I can't tell you exactly which way to go. i would assume it ought to be light weight, but I cannot tell you if stiffer or more flexible would be better. If it were infinitely stiff, adjusting the screw would pull up on the cone. Vibrating the bridge inserts would transfer the vibration to the rim of the cone. If it were much more flexible, it would flex when the cone screw is adjusted and vibrating the bridge insert would cause the spider to vibrate. I would guess that it ought to be about as stiff as it is now (maybe a touch more flexible) and lighter weight so the vibration of the string has a bigger effect. If it is too flexible, the strings will deflect it past where the screw is adjusted and it will rattle. I would think that CNC (or waterjet) would be a rather expensive way to make the part. there would be a lot of waste.

W. Jay Kellogg