Banjo Bridges by Bart - how to measure your bridge's dimensions

	For measuring string spacing I always use the distance between the outer-most strings. For a five string banjo that means the distance between the 1st and 5th string. For tenors & plectrums of course, it'll be the distance between the 1st and 4th string. For 5 strings the standard spacing is 42 mm and Crowe spacing works out to 44 mm. I much prefer millimeters as there's a lot less chance of looking at the wrong stripe on the inch scale.
	To measure bridge height you put the end of the calipers on top the bridgeand slide the poke thingie down till it hits the head. Hold the sliding parts of the calipers with your thumb so they won't move and read the measurement. Don't ask me why but I usually use imperial measurements, instead of millimeters, to indicate height.
	Same thing here but now we're measuring the actual string height, instead of the bridge height, in case the slots are too deep. You might have an 11/16" bridge but all too often the real string height might only be 5/8" above the head. Measuring this way will get you the proper size and will ensure that you order the right bridge height. Keep in mind, the center leg of the three-footer bridges I make are a smidgen taller than the advertised height to prevent them from sagging in the middle over time.
	Of course you can use them calipers to measure all kinds of neat stuff: neck width, nut width, peanuts, CD's, coffee cups and whatever else you might be curious about when you're playing with your new set of calipers. If you buy one of them funky digital ones they're plenty accurate enough to even measure string gauges.