Left handed bridge question

Hi. Welcome to GN

Yes, the nut and the strings can be changed. The bridge would have to be reseated and the saddle replaced also since the intonation will be way off. It can be done but sometimes leaves an imprint of where the bridge use to be.

You also have to consider the pick guard if it has one and if it is a cutaway that may look a little weird up side down.

Hi Nils

Thanks for the quick reply. Couple of follow up questions
- What exactly is intonation, is it the position of the notes with regard to the frets?
- Why do guitars like a Gibson J200 have a 'symmetrical' bridge, which would presumably make right to left changeover, less of a problem?

thanks

Martin
(s7deluxe)

- What exactly is intonation, is it the position of the notes with regard to the frets?
Intonation is the relationship between the open string note and the harmonic at the middle of the string. The way the scale of the guitar is set up this is designed to be the 12th fret. The goal is to have the open string, the fretted 12th string, and the 12th fret harmonic be the same note on each string.

- Why do guitars like a Gibson J200 have a 'symmetrical' bridge, which would presumably make right to left changeover, less of a problem?
I am not real sure of how the symmetrical bridge works any differently but it looks like you would still have to change the angle of the bridge. If you find an acoustic with an adjustable bridge then you are OK. Typically the intonation is done by the angle of the bridge/saddle.

I just had a look at an online image of an SJ200. The bridge is definitely compensated (slanted).

Intonation has a more general meaning: Accuracy of a played note's frequency versus its intended frequency.

Hi Nils

Many thanks, perfectly clear on intonation now.

So why aren't all guitar necks exactly the same length from nut to bridge and with the same fret sizes?

Does the gauge of the strings affect the intonation?

Regards

Martin

Yes, gauge affects intonation. Heavier gauge strings are less flexible at their endpoints and must be physically a little longer than their effective vibration length than thinner strings. That's the reason the bridge slants the way it does -- to lengthen the heavier strings. BTW, it's mainly the core of the wound strings that counts as the thickness when it comes to vibrational behavior.

Except for intonation compensation, the same fret scale length must have the same distance from nut to bridge from guitar to guitar. If two guitars have significantly different distances from nut to bridge (measure on high e where compensation is minimal), then they are not built on the same scale length and fret placements must be scaled accordingly.

So why aren't all guitar necks exactly the same length from nut to bridge and with the same fret sizes?
There are a few standard lengths like 24 3/4 but basically they vary for a couple of reasons like tone and ease of fingering/stretching. I think it just came about with different builders experimenting. The key is that the spacing of the frets are calibrated for the length of the string.
Does the gauge of the strings affect the intonation?
Yes, changing the gauge of the strings will change the intonation. It will also impact string height (action) and neck relief.

Being EXACTLY in the same boat as you are, you might try http://www.saddleboy.com

It's a kit which has a saddle that fits into a right handed slot, but is intonated for a left hander. It also includes a left handed nut you can put on the guitar. If you want to convert it back to RH, simply put the old saddle back in and change the nut back, no harm done. The only problem you might have is the pickguard being on top of the guitar if it comes with one.

It will probably cost you $30-35 direct. Personally, I'd just get a LH one and let them worry about themselves. It's your mid-life crisis. They can have their own. :)