Lining up the bridge

[baze7]

Anyone have some tips on how to make sure the bridge is lined up correct with the neck?

Thanks

[Wademeister]

When I built the mockingbird, I used some string in the top and bottom positions. Held it where I had an even amout of fingerboard on both sides and marked the mounting hole locations.

For scale length location I made a stick that was about 1/8" longer than my 24.75" scale and taped it on the neck so it was touching the nut and lined up the bridge saddles with the other end.

Someone please correct me about the 1/8 inch though, that was a long long time ago and I'm not sure how much compensation is needed. I do know I had the saddles at mid travel when I did it I would have a fair amount of travel either way to set intonation.

[Scott Rosenberger]

Lay a long straight edge against the each side of the neck starting at around the 12th fret and draw a pencil line in the body all the way down to where the bridge will mount. then center the bridge between those lines and at the correct distance for the scale length of the guitar you're building