1st Version Melita Guitar Bridge For Vintage Gretsch Guitars - Pat Pending 1950s

Rare Early Pre-Patent Melita Bridge – Original Design

This is the original Melita bridge design, created before the patent was obtained. It features several key differences compared to the more common version that followed, which is still being produced today.

• Machined from a Single Piece of Aluminum: Unlike the later models that use a platted pot metal base, this early version is machined from a solid piece of aluminum. This provides significantly better note transference and sustain.
• Low-Profile Screws for Palm Muting: The screws on this early version are low-profile, allowing for smooth palm muting. This is a major advantage over the later models, where the larger screws protrude and get in the way of palm muting.
• Solid Rosewood Bridge Feet: Instead of the plastic feet found in later versions, this bridge is equipped with solid rosewood feet, enhancing its tone and overall quality.

This bridge was shipped to a customer recently.  He returned it because it was his opinion that there were two thumbwheels missing.  This bridge was working on a guitar when we got it, so in my opinion it is a workable piece as-is, but as I like to lean on full disclosure, here is that customer's statement:  "The first generation aluminum models had two thumb wheel per side as in the pics I’ve included. I did see that this one didn’t have those but thought the second gen wheels might fit. Unfortunately they do not."

Shipping policy:

Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions.  If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to .  Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.   

Mahar's Vintage Guitars is a brick-and-mortar and web-based retailer. We are happy to talk with you before you make a purchase.   Please reach out if you feel so inclined! We cross market our items here and on our own site, so items are subject to sale elsewhere at any time (however we will never cancel a sale if it happens here first). See our profile here, our Google reviews as well as our 100% positive Reverb feedback. Also, Reverb limits us to only 25 pictures of our items. There is a good chance we have more. Contact us if you’d like to see them.

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Shipping policy:

Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions.  If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to .  Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.