1975 Bouzouki Action Setup (Tuning DAFC)

About the Job

I was approached whilst on holiday in Cyprus to lower the bridge on a 1975 Bouzouki.

There was a 4.5mm gap between the strings and the fretboard.

The Problem

The client had taken it to be restored in Cyprus to a specialist but when he got it back the bridge was too high which elevated the strings from the fretboard to unplayable levels

Lucky for me I always have a few tools with me, one of the them being a bridge/saddle sanding device.

Initial Inspection

The bouzouki was in fantastic condition apart from the bridge.

Found that you had to graple with each note, there was no fluidity in the play, and as this instrument is mainly a solo playing instrument, speed is a crucial part of the playability of any bouzouki.

Repair & Setup Work

I loosened the strings and removed the whole bridge.

I placed the rose wood bridge inside my device leaving a 1mm clearance working my way up to a 2.5mm sanding area.

Obviously I did this in stages as not to take too much off the bridge and create fret buzz.

Had to keep on checking the height as I went along by installing the bridge back, retuning and checking the height and buzz.

The whole job took around an hour and the results were excellent.

Final Setup Measurements

Final Result

After the setup, the bouzoukis action was improved and perfect for the client. His speed around the fret board and clarity of the notes was much improved and he was very happy with the results.

The instrument was repaired at the clients premises.

Repair Gallery