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2015In the last article I discussed the benefits of an 18-hole bridge. The next question might be, how does one go about stringing one up? Here is an easy step-by-step guide. Let’s start by looking at the hole configuration. There are 3 holes for each string. The left upper hole as well as bottom hole go all the way through the tie block. The top right hole goes half way into the tie block and is used to capture the string end.
In the guide below we are going to string the 4th (D) string.
Step 1 – Start the string-up.
From the front of the tie block, insert the string in the bass-side hole.
Step 2 – Bury the string end.
The treble side hole is the “half-hole”. Insert the end of the string into the half-hole until it stops.
Step 3a. Lock the string.
Pull on the string, taking up the slack.
Step 3b.
Pull until the string is taut along the back of the bridge.
Step 4a – Wrap the string.
Take the other end of the string and insert it from the back into the lower hole.
Step 4b.
Pull the string through so it creates a loop over the tie block.
Step 4c.
Finish pulling the string until it is taut over the tie block. Notice two things – first how the wrap locks the string into place at the back by vertically crossing the string. Secondly note how low the string exits the front of the tie block, providing more than adequate break angle over the saddle. From here, you simply string the other end up at the tuning machine.
Complete. 
When all six strings are wrapped, the bridge has a clean look, with a single string over the tie block and no string ends exposed in the back.
Very simple, foolproof, and keeps your top safe from string slap. But with that said, how does one remove the string? Simply grab the string from the saddle side and push toward the back until it is all the way through (first photo). The string unloops from the tie block. Once again press the string from the saddle toward the back, and the string end will push back (photos 2 & 3). Simply pull the string through and it is removed.
