jcoffeypot2 - Posted - 07/24/2009:  10:51:59

I have a wechter scheerhorn Rob Ickes. I am thinking about replacing my bridge inserts with taller ones. The inserts I have do NOT have ebony caps. Is this a good thing, bad thing? What change, if any, will this make in the sound? Thanks!

Josh

drubin - Posted - 07/24/2009:  11:26:20

Did you buy your Ickes model new or used? If new, I'd check with the store you bought it from to make sure that your W/S Ickes model was correctluy setup by Abe Wetcher's crew in Michigan. Every W/S I've ever seen, including a number of Ickes models, has had the ebony topped maple bridge inserts. And I thought Abe and his guys did all the setups in Michigan...but maybe that has changed? I'm not sure. In any case, if the bridge seems low to you, or if it's not giving you the tone you want, then changing out your current bridge for another is a good option. You may also have to change out the spider, as I believe that the Wetcher folks glue their inserts in? Somebody tell me if I'm wrong, as I don't currently own or have ready access to a W/S to double check.

Edited by - drubin on 07/24/2009 11:29:17

jcoffeypot2 - Posted - 07/24/2009:  12:14:48

I bought my dobro new about a week ago. I love the tone, but a buddy of mine who is a dobro player said I would get better tone out of a taller bridge. I actually bought mine from Abe. He did set it up. I like the sound, but I always making improvements! ha

Josh

jaykellogg - Posted - 07/24/2009:  13:03:14

Supposedly ebony capped bridge inserts produce a "brighter" sound. I am guessing you will hear more of a difference between different sets of strings. I don't know how much you can raise it. You will have to slack all your strings and see how far the bridge comes up. you still need a little room to pull strings through there. I usually change my strings one at a time, but once in a while I pull the cone and clean it up as well as oiling the fretboard. You want to leave a clearance between the palmrest and the bridge insert.

W. Jay Kellogg

jcoffeypot2 - Posted - 07/24/2009:  13:33:26

Ya I am very new to dobro setup....I have banjo for about 5 years and I can work on those, but my friend has played dobro for years and I am going to let him work on it while I watch! ha He builds dobros for special orders, so I feel pretty confident in his work.

Josh

benspinks - Posted - 07/25/2009:  04:32:41

Hi Josh

I have that guitar. The caps are suposed to be Ebonex i think, which is what Tim Scheerhorn uses. I recently did some work on mine and the biggest difference came through replacing that big heavy spider. It's a different animal now. Re bridge height, personaly i don't think you will find much, if any, difference there. Mine new was an 8th higher at the 12th fret than at the nut so i cut it down to make the strings level. No difference in sound at all.

Cheers
Ben

Slideman1939 - Posted - 07/25/2009:  11:31:09

Ebony capped bridge inserts are a good thing and not an expensive experiment. The website of Resophonic Outfitter's ( Paul Beard Co. wholesale parts catalog) offers this item.So mail order gets you the real deal specifically made for resophonic and installation of the part could be a simple quick procedure by yourself or with a local luthier. some mild sanding or shaving on the maple bottom will give you exactly the height you want--custom fit by you.