The bridge
The bridge provides 20% of the instrument's acoustic output. Discretely and with humility, this little piece of wood can both glorify the genius of a beautiful instrument or indeed enhance the musicality of the most ordinary of instruments.
What to expect from a good bridge?
A bridge can only ever be as good as the quality of its raw material: years of growth, wood grain, and density. Whilst the final selection must be thorough it should also be made using the senses, intuitively and with a certain amount of flexibility.
Luthiers and musicians alike are able to appreciate and recognize the quality of a bridge that appeals through its technical qualities and its sensitivity.
Sound transmission
The bridge ensures that sound is carried from the string to the sound-box. This is an important role. Good transmission is straight and fast and can only be guaranteed by a luthier’s know-how.
Fig. 1 Ordinary Bridge
Fig. 2 Despiau Superieur
Speed of sound
For the sound to be true, a minimum amount of time should elapse between its emission from the string and its resounding presence: with the right bridge fitted onto their instrument musicians will hear what they play faster, sharper.
Clarity of sound
When transmission through the bridge does not alter the sound, when it is fast and direct, the sound is clear, accurate, sharp and rich with harmonics. The quality of the bridge, therefore, has a direct consequence on the global clarity of sound.
Grades & qualities to look for in a good bridge :
For the top-quality bridge, Fountain Music recommends these models:
- Despiau Superieur
- Aubert Mirecourt Deluxe
- Milo Stamm
Ultimately, consult your luthier as they have certain models that they feel most comfortable working with. The bridge is an essential component for the strength of the sound of an instrument. Only a luthier will know how to choose and carve a bridge in order to get the best results.
Source credit: Information and graphics are sourced from Despiau