How to Set Up a Bridge on a Cello

Linda from Linda West Cellos shows you how to set up a bridge on a cello. Linda always ships her cellos completely set up: with bridge up, cello tuned, ready to do. However, if you have a cello and the bridge is down this video will clearly show you how easy it is to set it back into place. Never glue your bridge in place...it stands in place due to tension from the strings.
You can also read an article on www.lindawest.com on how to set up a bridge. www.lindawest.com/setting-up-...
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Les Bois D'Harmonie tailpiece -
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[@CouragetheCowardlyDogfan]

Thank you for the straightforward and extremely informative video. You provided an easy to follow, step-by-step process for setting the bridge. I really appreciate it 🙏🏼 Have a great day!

[@LindaWestCellos]

I would like to add that using a pencil to add graphite to the grooves in the bridge and the nut will reduce the friction of the strings against the wood. This will help prevent the bridge from moving as you tighten the strings. Forgot to mention that...

[@tootall11211]

I was thinking that while watching the vid. That's a trick us guitar repairmen use as well. Say, I'm working on a decent but beginner level cello, how much are the geared pegs, and how difficult are they to install on a cello set up for the usual ebony pegs? [e-mail].

[@LindaWestCellos]

tootall11211 Not too difficult if you choose the correct diameter peg..Usually 12mm for cello unless there is wear or someone set it up initially with fatter pegs. You just need a peg reamer a hack saw, sandpaper 100 grit to 600 to smooth and round the ends after cutting and CR glue.(applied sparingly at the last few threads so the peg doesn't stick before getting it all the way in) Perfecton pegs not Wittner. Wittner pegs press in and are not suppossed to need glue, however on cello I find they need some glue as they sometimes don't hold.

[@tootall11211]

adjusting the cello for height is simple, loosen the set scrw on the spike, and find your right height, then tighten the screw back up. That's all the adjustment there is.

[@AMmorn]

how much to buy a full size with gear pegs cause friction pegs piss me off

[@tootall5559]

yeah, I know what you mean. I have ran across a few violins with that change. One had ukelele pegs instead of the usual friction pegs. A little more control but less size than regular machine head pegs. Friction pegs caused me to give up on the violin. Went to cello instead, then gave up on that too. Anyone want to buy an intermediate level violin or a beginner's half size? [e-mail]

[@scytheiria]

this was the 3rd video i watched on how to do this, by far the most informative. straight and easy, was able to set up fine, on my 1st cello. Thanx!

[@kekuhi]

perfect! mahalo, Linda. i am picking up my first cello EVER at 56 yrs old:). thank you. now that thatʻs done...here I go!!

[@mamawelder]

Enjoy!!!

[@julieadams3175]

Linda thank you for this extremely helpful video! I haven't played cello in decades. My husband got me one for Christmas and the bridge needed to be set up. You made it as easy as can be! Now to re-learn and enjoy

[@franktuson7803]

8 1/2 years later and you're still helping people! Thank you so much!

[@snakekeeper2073]

Thanks Linda! You have no doubt helped many aspiring cellists with this video!

[@Silver_Hawkeye]

Thank you so much. My family bought me a cello now as a Christmas gift. And your video helped me very much! Thanks! 👍

[@iceberg220]

8 years later, but I'd like to say thank you for the best video on the subject! straight to the point, with all the essential details, well covered; I'm a beginner on cello and this was very informative :)

[@RyansCustomShopandGearOutlet]

Awesome! Thanks for your help. I just finished up repairing a badly broken cello with all your tutorials and advice. I bought it just to see if I could fix it, and I had so much fun.

[@hellomyfriends9740]

I'm grateful that you still make videos

[@boriskarloffjr.833]

I'm considering buying a cello in the next couple of months, and I found this video very informative. Thank you for making and posting this video, it was very helpful. Thanks again :-)

[@Bioluv193]

Thank you so much for posting Linda. I'm a violin player but I just got a cello and I heard those odd sounds when I was tuning my cello. You set my mind at peace. Also, I believe my bridge might be out of place so I will try to set it right.

[@ConwayBob]

Thank you, Linda. I took fiddle lessons for a year when I was 14-15 but haven't played in a long time. I recently -- at age 77 -- purchased my very first (and probably last) 'cello! It arrived with the bridge down, so this video of yours is a real godsend. I appreciate the clarity of your explanation and demonstration.

[@AirwolfCrazy]

Thank you. This information was very useful. The bridge on my son's cello came off today just after school. He was upset and thought he had broken it. I am glad this was an easy fix.

[@AlexiasShado]

This was a lifesaver! My friend/roommate got a cello to learn on and I as I was setting it up for her (knowing nothing about cellos, either), I couldn't understand why the strings kept rolling off the stem and wondering how sound would come from this! Then I remembered the wooden bridge they packed away in her bag as if it were an accessory and wasn't I lucky enough to find your video! Thank you! I hope to be able to pick up some things, as well, as I love the sound of the cello. It's easily my favorite instrument.

[@WHACK_space_rock]

I learned a lot....thank you Linda.....! Now I can set up my daughter's cello with confidence for Christmas....(!)

[@CeciliaSaraiva]

Thank you! It has helped me a lot (my bridge was almost falling, I have just realized, and have adjusted it according to your video).

[@zoemills1349]

Thank you - mine just got delivered today without the bridge attached and this was the first video I found! Feel a little bit more ready to set it up now!

[@LindaWestCellos]

Glad it helped!

[@lizgilbert2602]

Thank you! When my company moved me (and my cello), my cello's bridge fell out - it was helpful to see how to properly reset it.

[@Happyheart146]

This is the only fully comprehensive guide I've found on YT. Thank you.

[@LindaWestCellos]

Alice InChristchurch glad it helped!

[@simnos1]

Thanks very much! Just bought my first cello and I am relying on people like you that have taken the time to help :)

[@LindaWestCellos]

No problem glad to help. Enjoy that new cello!

[@constance486]

Thanks for the video Linda! I appreciate you taking the time to show us the basics ;-)

[@misterchristopher8857]

Thank you for the helpful tutorial on adjusting the bridge. Gentleness is best.

[@HotelEdenMusic]

Your video is like having a cello expert friend in our living room. Thank you so much for this tutorial.

[@dahlrussell]

Thank you so much! I live in a rural area and I have been feeling that something was "off" with my cello. Following your instructions, I reset the bridge, and the sound is truly 100% percent better. This was so clearly described and very easy to follow. My cello is very cheap - I was getting back to it after not playing for 30 years... so this is a significant improvement. So now I've checked out your other videos and I'm lusting after the Henrich Gill Model W3... LOL Thank you again.

[@LindaWestCellos]

Kara Dahl Russell so glad it helped! Stay tuned for more informative videos. We hope to get caught up enough in the shop to do a few more. So many important cello related topics to cover.

[@keithrroberts]

Thank you for making this video -- it helped us set up our first cello!!!!

[@ahyungrocks5509]

Thank you Linda. My son is learning have to play the cello, so I will be taking care of his new instrument (ex. changing strings and other small issues). This video gives me a head start.

[@lasrie9689]

Good luck :3

[@lubosrehounek8760]

great tutorial, thank you very much. This has been exactly my case, the cello was shipped with the bridge off, so the vid helped me a lot :)

[@wadesworld2112]

Thanks for the video Linda. I almost had to reset a child's bridge recently when their strings loosened and I was concerned if I knew the proper place. Now I know. To others, as an ecstatic Linda West customer, I can tell you her cellos are fantastic and her customer service is second-to-none.

[@LindaWestCellos]

Thank you Wade

[@eloise7825]

I loved the knowledge you shared.Extremely helpful.Thank you kindly.Eloise(Australia)

[@TomPauls007]

My new cello came as a "kit." After taking oxygen and an aspirin, I found your site. Then after this very well done explanation I set it up. Let's see if I can see another great video on how to learn this fine instrument! Something tells me it won't be this easy!! (~8

[@rafaelcubas85]

Thank you for the video, its perfect. I just bought a cheap Cello to get use to it, learn and wait until I get ready to upgrade it. Here were I live, tax make the price triplicate, imagine that. Your work really helps people around the world. Again, thank you. Pls, keep the spirit.

[@LindaWestCellos]

Rafael Cubas thank you, I'm glad it was helpful to you!

[@AlbertAguirre]

Then you so much It's wonderful people like you that make the internet great

[@holybaloney7666]

That was very helpful and detailed. Thank you, Linda.

[@nikpostich1780]

Thank you so much. This was the most helpful video on you tube.

[@matthewkleinmann]

I was looking at cello's on eBay and figured I would see what people had to say about the really inexpensive ones. Your offer to address individual questions was amazingly kind. You are a true gem. One of these days I may break down and press the buy button!

[@Kitten_Maru]

I bought an unexpensive cello from China on ebay, it survived shipping and I used this video to set it up, but it still doesn't make a sound and I already lost 1 string as it snapped while just setting up the bridge. I'll have to go to a professional to get help but I guess what I bought only looks like cello. I think I might have waited and saved up a bit longer and just try to find a used one somewhere *__*

[@matthewkleinmann]

@@Kitten_Maru I broke down and bought the best cello money can buy, or at least $169 worth of money can buy. Sadly the sound post is rolling around in it so it is going back. There is no way I can work through those little f holes. I could not even roll the dang thing over to the opening to get it out to photograph it. Anyway, when the next one arrives I am very excited to start my foray into something with strings but no frets and a bow. This seems to have both friction pegs and some kind of fine adjusters on the bridge end. I need to find a video that talks about them, and what to tune the strings to. Lots of stuff to learn!

[@MrSmith-ew2pj]

Thank you very much Linda. Very clear and useful presentation

[@billyelliot78]

Great video! Covered everything and wonderfully explained. Thank you.

[@throwingpotsandpans]

Very helpful. I wondered about the lack of fine tuners on the tailpiece, but if you have 4:1 tuning gears on the pegs.... I wish mine had those.

[@sofiaf.5017]

thank you so much. my cello bridge fell off when i was practicing at home and this video showed me it wasnt the end of the world and helped me put it back pn

[@LindaWestCellos]

Sofia F. I’m glad the video helped you out! That’s exactly why I created it.

[@Marshmallow_Trees]

Thank you for this!!!!! Excellent demo and explanation🦄💕

[@abbybougher4267]

Thank you so much so helpful and instructive!! I got my cello back in working order

[@aprilsnider7201]

I know this is an old post, but thank you so much. I had no problem setting the bridge on my new cello after watching this video. I was terrified to do it but you made it a breeze!

[@LindaWestCellos]

Yes it’s an old video but still relevant. Im glad it helped. :-)

[@drowningfish_8644]

I am only 12 and I had to get a new bridge and I have only been playing for 3 school years and I just recently not my own cello and this video really helped out a lot! Thanks!👍😁

[@rondeux]

Thank you! Very clear and concise instructions. I appreciate it 👍

[@toddgriffee9011]

Thanks Linda! Worked like a charm!

[@LindaWestCellos]

Glad it helped!

[@aprilpants]

Thank you! You came up when I panic googled after realizing that the bridge was directional.

[@nnbox122]

Thank you Linda, Your instructions were perfect and appreciated❤

[@LindaWestCellos]

You are so welcome!

[@annegerstmann3029]

Thank you so much for this video. You saved my cello from damage :)

[@franciscoacosta255]

"dont panic!" 6:25 I always do D:

[@kiralynnsands762]

Thank you for posting this! very helpful!

[@danroseberry]

Great help! Thanks Linda.

[@fio_thetraveler]

It helped us a lot to set up our cello! Thank you so much

[@liseduggan2897]

Thank you very much. Very helpful and easy to follow instructions.

[@LindaWestCellos]

Great to hear!

[@glueshooter]

That was a super helpful video. Thank you!

[@BryanKujawa1]

very helpful and easy to follow, thank you Linda!!!

[@dddeinalo]

Thank you! It was very helpful!

[@dominicluvschickpeas]

Thank you so much, I bought my first cello a week ago and it came with the bridge on the cello, one day I randomly played one note and the bridge gave up on me and fell . I thought I broke it I was so scared to spend more money 😭Thank for reassuring me

[@marinatolmacheva231]

Thank you,Linda , helped me a lot !

[@Queenbelieveit]

I am going to try this before shipping my daughter cello back. Thanks!

[@Ixa90]

Tawana Martin Did it work

[@katiebarber2368]

Thank you for this video. Very much appreciated.

[@LindaWestCellos]

You’re welcome 😊

[@DanielAbrahamMontoya]

Thank you for making this video.

[@samuelwilson5465]

Just bought one and it came today. Got to start somewhere

[@VivaLaRossa]

Thank you for posting this video!

[@lellobittencourt]

Very good.....congratulations ...São Paulo - Brasil

[@frankbarker1568]

Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@mamawelder]

Glad to contribute support to my fellow cellist community.

[@bgcellozone]

Wonderful explaination, thank you!

[@nonnakim3635]

Just the help I needed. Thank you.

[@LindaWestCellos]

Glad it helped

[@Communissimo]

Thanks Linda! I am trying to build an arpeggione (my first build of anything, ever) and the bridge has been stressing me

[@kentowakai1234]

Thanks. I really appreciate your help.

[@OpulentDelirium]

thanks, that was really helpful and straight forward.

[@lucasoberndorf573]

Awesome video; thank you so much for the information

[@mburridge01]

You are great Linda.

[@jtom100]

Linda that was quiet help .. thanks so much .

[@davidhonaker]

Thank you so much Ms. West! I'm mostly bedridden, and my fingers (wrists, etc.) dislocated daily. I had to string my cello (super cheap, unfortunately) many times in the month or so I've had it. Plus, the pegs slip and I have to retune it daily. Very painful. At least I now know how to wrap the strings properly! In your video you talk about "gear pegs." It looks so easy and painless. Can I replace my "push in place" pegs with gear pegs? Thanks again, David

[@ipris3971]

Thank you! Great lesson!

[@musicaliceo]

Thank You! Very useful.

[@kanubeenderman]

nine years later, but still an awesome tutorial! thanks!

[@bri19035]

yay im your 1000th subscriber!

[@joelsnyder350]

Thanks Linda. I had no idea how to set up my cheap cello

[@hergestthered5314]

This was a huge help. Thanks mate

[@cliffstanich9192]

Very informative. Thank You

[@rebguldam]

Thanks for the helpful info!

[@eileenharder2473]

I just rented a cheap cello, tuning it was very scary... thanks for the info, the bridge is not exactly where it is supposed to be at the moment and the fine tuning peg at the bottom for A string won't tune upward anymore but it is in tune.. will straighten everything out again when I get the energy and bravery to re do it again... thanks for the video

[@Ga7atTown]

thank you so much for this .. really needed it :)

[@piirekare]

Dude u are the best and most simple one thanks a lot so helpfull for me 👍

[@peterbrodbeck7838]

Great tutorial, thanks

[@martynrangeley8749]

Thank you for an excellent video Linda. Am I right to think that you have no fine adjusters on the tailpiece because you have geared pegs and that you can use the pegs instead of fine tuners? I ask because I have no experience of geared pegs and wonder if they have any advantage over the more common tailpiece fine adjusters for adjusting the tuning, thanks again, Martyn. PS. The side of the bridge which is bowed (its belly) faces up (toward the cello head), so it always goes 'belly up' - a simple way to remember for beginners.

[@slowtrtl]

Thanks so much! I have the friction peg and am having a hard time winding my strings!😢😢😢

[@rhinomechanics8423]

best video, GREAT INFO.. !!

[@GiovanniAloiArtifact]

Thank you! Very helpful.

[@llfmama]

Thank you so much. I finally ordered myself a cello 12 years after my mom sold mine without asking. I was 16. It was so hard. Im so excited to re learn how to play

[@mamawelder]

You’re welcome. Good for you. Enjoy your cello. Feel free to reach out if you have anymore cello or bow related questions.

[@pianosbloxworld4460]

Why would your mom sell your cello? That’s cruel.

[@llfmama]

@@pianosbloxworld4460 my mom was abusive. I got out though.

[@pianosbloxworld4460]

@@llfmama thank goodness

[@hyssoprim]

Thank you. You've been very helpful ^^

[@Gballpikker]

Great video, thank you.

[@SunshineDoodle]

Thank you so much!! You are amazing 💜

[@LindaWestCellos]

You are!

[@imagine07018]

Thank you so much. Short, sweet, to the point, yet thorough.

[@chrisparis8961]

Thanks so much Lind. Louis, NYC

[@brianroger]

Having spent many years as a cellist, I´ve learned more here in 5 mins about bridge placement than I ever did at uni. Enjoyed the Brahms Em taster at the end of the clip too. Thanks Linda :)

[@pmarcus67]

Damn good video !!! WonderFull and Thank U 4 Sharing Passion 🎁