How to CHOOSE the Perfect Bridge for Your Violin & Cello

Choosing the right bridge for your instrument is crucial, as it directly affects the sound, playability, and overall performance of your beloved musical companion. In this video, I will walk you through a few essential steps to consider when selecting a bridge.
First, we will explore different bridge models, examining their unique characteristics and tonal qualities.
Next, we will delve into the importance of selecting the right material for your bridge.
We will then explore the critical aspect of bridge measurements. Understanding these measurements is essential for achieving optimal playability and sound production on your instrument.
And finally I will point out about that the right bridge curve where the strings are is not a question of personal style of violinmakers but nowadays state of art wirh no compromises.
I will also share an interesting toolkit that will help you evaluate whether your current bridge is suitable for your instrument or if it requires adjustments or replacement.
Feel free If you want me to make an IDEal bridge for your instruemnt.
Meanwhile all the best from Cremona
Edgar
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[@thecatofnineswords]

I didn’t catch the name of the bridge book and the authors. Can you please type it out, so I can go look for it?

[@erinworley1601]

Very helpful video! Thanks! I am trying to fit a bridge for a 7/8 violin. Measuring the placement of the bass bar seems to indicate that a 4/4 bridge would be too wide for my 7/8 unless I had the bridge moved off center. A 3/4 bridge seems to hit it just right. Should I just go with the 3/4, cut width off the feet of a 4/4, or are there makers that make 7/8 bridges?

[@fragslap5229]

Fifty bucks says a player or listener could tell the difference in sound from one bridge to the next, regardless of cost.

[@ゲンソウ]

you mean couldn't?

[@jorge-manuel-fernandes]

Hello master Edgar. I would like you to explain how to know the correct size of the bridge to place on a 4/4 cello (90mm,92mm,94mm,96mm) of the bridge. I still don't understand how to find this measurement. Thank you very much.

[@danschoenharl3856]

The cost of a bridge is in the talent and labor required to shape and fit it an instrument. I'll gladly pay for this, as it should last, and reward, for decades. The cost of the bridge blank is of no consequence. I don't turn down the tone on my Stratocaster. Why would I do it on my Stradivari copy? I'll take all an instrument has to offer, having chosen it. I can always find the warmth and softness.

[@rachels1616]

I am a beginner at 50 years old and I have an electric violin. What would be the best bridge and strings?

[@daveo6063]

Every string player needs to see this video. Thank you for posting it !!!!

[@RAkers-tu1ey]

This is great! A clear explanation, and a source for good tools for set up.

[@Sabumnim913]

Would you recommend different bridge placement or design for when retuning the cello to a different tuning (scordatura) For example in Kodaly where the C string is tuned down to a Bb and G is tuned to F# this generally causes the the string to vibrate more and respond differently…. Would you move the bridge to accommodate for this?

[@sexymanicou3403]

I think the ability to hold your finger down on the notes while writing with the right hand to add fingerings classified it as right-handed. While left-handers has to place the instrument down and write evey single time . In the classical guitar space rotation is equally acceptable. I am interested in the cello as an adult but the sitring tuning always gives me a head ache as I think it should be on the next directions. I may have to play it on the reverse shoulder or get a left handed one, . Have you ever see. A left handed cellist? Or a right handed cello play on the eofht shoulder?

[@kiwiviolin941]

am not so sure, for testing out, i had an Aubert and a aubert deluxe bridge made for one of my violins and they didnt make much or any difference in sound, that i could hear. i thought how they selected a particular bridge for a particular violin is by the pitch of the bridge. i am not very sure what is the criterion for that though. also the height of the bridge would depend on the projection of the fingerboard right? the curvature of the bridge would also depend on the curvature of the fingerboard, i would have thought? some part of the feet should be on top of both bass bar and then adjust the bridge to be pretty straight on with the nut, so that the strings align straight. you can always move the sound post to be under the bridge feet anyway.just some thoughts maestro.

[@ゲンソウ]

The curvature of the bridge depends on a lot of things, its nit just one shape. You'll have a different curvature for different violins/cellos based on their size, strings, and desired playing style.

[@sexymanicou3403]

I think the ability to hold your finger down on the notes while writing with the right hand to add fingerings classified it as right-handed. While left-handers has to place the instrument down and write evey single time . In the classical guitar space rotation is equally acceptable. I am interested in the cello as an adult but the sitring tuning always gives me a head ache as I think it should be on the next directions. I may have to play it on the reverse shoulder or get a left handed one, . Have you ever see. A left handed cellist?

[@tomjones6387]

Nice video, I liked it.

[@Cecilleviola]

how often should a bridge be replaced?

[@sexymanicou3403]

I think the ability to hold your finger down on the notes while writing with the right hand to add fingerings classified it as right-handed. While left-handers has to place the instrument down and write evey single time . In the classical guitar space rotation is equally acceptable. I am interested in the cello as an adult but the sitring tuning always gives me a head ache as I think it should be on the next directions. I may have to play it on the reverse shoulder or get a left handed one, . Have you ever see. A left handed cellist?