Classical bridge question

[Ernest Pattillo]

It's been a while since I've been on. Moved, new shop, etc. I have a new classical I'll be posting pictures of in a couple of weeks, but I have a question regarding some really heavy and dense Brazilian rosewood I have that I'm considering making the bridge from. It's quite oily and I worry about how long that glue line will last, plus does any experienced classical maker have any inside dope on about what weight I should be shooting for on this bridge, and what to clean it with for a good glue joint, if anything?
Thanks for any input.

[Mark Swanson]

Don't clean it with anything- just get a really good fit to the top, and make sure you have a fresh surface on the bridge when gluing. A favorite way to do that is to scrape the surface right before gluing.

[Waddy Thomson]

I agree with Mark. Make sure you have a gap free fit and right before gluing down, scrape the bottom of the bridge, lightly, with a card scraper, razor blade or sharp chisel. As to weight, it depends on the thickness of the top, the bracing and the stiffness of the top. Lighter bridges, generally, will give you more power and head room, and heavier bridges may give a bit sweeter, more mellow sound, but somewhat less available power. 20 grams is a good cross-over point between lighter and heavy bridges for a classical. I try to keep mine in the mid to upper teens, but hard to do with some woods.

[Ernest Pattillo]

OK, guys, thanks. Maybe it'll sound like a guitar at least.