Written By: Patrick David Sawyer

When it comes to setting up a banjo, one of the most critical yet often overlooked elements is the bridge. Its height, placement, and string spacing all play a major role in your banjo’s tone, playability, and overall feel. As a builder and player, I’ve spent years fine-tuning setups, and let me tell you—guesswork has no place in the process. That’s why Richie Dotson’s Bridge Ruler has become an essential tool in my workshop and banjo case. We’ve known Richie and Acoustic Box for years and often recommend him for expert advice on bluegrass banjos and setup.  He has quickly become one of the most well respected authorities on original and reproduction Gibson Mastertone banjos and early bluegrass history in addition to being well respected maker. 

Now, let me preface this by saying that everything here is just my opinion, however, it’s an opinion built on years of experience, hard work, and countless hours spent crafting, setting up, and playing banjos. I’ve tried various methods over the years, and this little tool has proven itself time and again as one of the best for quickly and accurately measuring bridge height and string spacing.

Why the Bridge Ruler is a Game-Changer

The Richie Dotson Bridge Ruler, available now at Pisgah Banjo, is a simple but effective tool designed to eliminate the guesswork in banjo setup. Here’s why it’s invaluable:

• Accurate Bridge Height Measurement – No more relying on estimations, coin stacks, or worn-out markings. This ruler gives you precise readings so you can confirm whether you’re using a 5/8″, 11/16″, or even a ¾” bridge with confidence.
• Consistent String Spacing Checks – Even slight variations in string spacing can affect how a banjo plays. With this tool, you can quickly verify and compare different bridges, ensuring your fingers always land where they should.
• Saves Time & Effort – Whether you’re setting up your own banjo or working on someone else’s, this tool speeds up the process, making adjustments easy and stress-free.

Why Every Banjo Player Should Carry One

This isn’t just a tool for professional luthiers—it’s something that every banjo player should have in their case. A well-fitted bridge impacts everything from tone to intonation, and having the ability to measure and fine-tune your bridge height on the fly is a huge advantage.

If you tinker with your setup, swap bridges, or just want the peace of mind that your banjo is dialed in properly, the Bridge Ruler is a no-brainer. It’s compact, durable, and now conveniently available at Pisgah Banjos.

Final Thoughts

Again, this is just my take, but after years of building and setting up banjos, I can say with confidence that tools like this make a difference. The Richie Dotson Bridge Ruler is one of those things that you don’t realize you need until you have one—then you wonder how you ever worked without it. If you’re serious about your banjo setup, grab one for your toolkit. You’ll thank me later.