Here Nate is presenting the result of a lot of work, the Serial #1 Ridgewing bridge.

The Ridgewing bridge expands the definition of guitar bridge way beyond simply something you tie the strings onto. If you also strip all the electronics and pickups and battery out of the guitar, roll them all together and stuff them into this sleek little Klingon package, you have something that embodies the heart, soul and brain of the guitar. And an infinitely upgradable brain at that.

I have been cursed with a predilection for making the first design of any idea that comes along way more complicated than it needs to be, so, trying to develop a habit of mind, I am constantly thinking about how to go in the opposite direction, toward simplicity. I have never figured out why it is more work to make something simple than complex.

This Ridgewing bridge has a lot going on in it, but suppose someone wanted to try their hand at making simple Ridgewing bridge? Say, an eighth grader dreaming big guitar dreams and wanting to maybe start making one of their own. What would they need to make a Ridgewing bridge, and have it be as easy and quick as a class art project, yet precise enough to slip right on to a full-grown Ridgewing guitar?

Here is one way - 3D print this bridge skeleton, and fill it out with FEMO, artist’s clay, match sticks and Elmer’s glue, epoxy, whatever. No matter what shape you make it, the eight attachment hooks will be in the right place with respect to each other and the attachment points on the body, and the saddle slot will be in the right place with respect to the attachment hooks. Actually, this first model is a bit flimsy, but a new improved buff versions would be pretty easy to pop out.

One way to impress your science teacher would be to take one of these 3D printed skeletons and, for a class project, nickel-plate it thick enough to hold the string’s tension.

Heck, why not gold. Even the angels will be impressed.