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question about bridges. I am trying to design an electric octave mandolin. I am having a real hard time finding any ( one at moongazer). I have been reading up on archtop bridges and think it maybe easier to go that route. I know that there will be different tone depending on the material i use be it bone or rosewood ect... But rather then tone is there any issues that you could see by using a archtop bridge on a solid body octave mandolin. would it be difficult to get intonation correct?

thanks

edit* I guess the big question Im asking is more towards using a wooden bridge on a solid body. I know they use them on arch tops without problems. some ppl like the sound others dont. but with an archtop its still hollow like an acoustic. is there a reason why ppl dont use wood bridges on solid body guitars?

Changing the bridge material and or weight is the easiest way to tinker with the tone of an instrument. It can make a huge difference. If you build an instrument and it doesn't sound the way you dreamed of, try a different bridge (or different saddle pieces).
Successful wood bridges are made of extremely hard woods or else the strings keep on wearing the grooves deeper.
Have fun! Give your hunch as try!

Among your tinkering options, you could make either a one or two-piece wood bridge with a metal saddle, somewhat like the bone saddle insert in a flat top bridge. But I like wood bridges. In fact, I prefer them. No problem on an electric instrument.

That depends on what you call difficult.

Intonation is set by ear or by applying the math. If your ear don't work, then doos the maths... they is simple enough.

Now if your ear don't work and you cant do the maths...then may me suggest
stamp collecting.

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I switched a Guild electric from a Nashville style metal bridge to Rosewood, I like it better.