MajorGeek - Posted - 03/10/2012:  19:50:52

Why is a violin bridge asymmetrical?  Looks like the high point is over by the D string. Looks like when I switched my bridge around based on the bevel cues that I put it on backwards. It was on the right way in the first place.

transplant - Posted - 03/10/2012:  21:01:10

The bridge follows the fingerboard, adding air under the strings-- less under the E, more under the G. Opinions differ about how much the fingerboard should be canted, and in which direction. Most often the bridge's treble side is lower than the bass.

Learner - Posted - 03/10/2012:  21:24:23

The vibrational swing of the E string is far less than for the the G string. Thus, less space is needed under the E string to prevent the string from slapping the fingerboard. So the bridge height on the E string can be less.

SamY - Posted - 03/11/2012:  09:04:32

I think Learner summed it up. Also the string height above the fingerboard can generally be less for fiddling than for classical. The G string can swing quite an arc when those classical players really romp on it with the bow. Fingerboard scoop also comes into play, providing string clearance. I like my strings to be as close to the fingerboard as possible at the nut. The thickness of a sheet of paper at the nut is about all it takes at the E string.

MajorGeek, you mentioned bevel cues. I'm not sure to what bevels you are referring. If you're referring to the bottom of the bridge feet, it is vitally important that the feet sit with full contact on the fiddle top plate. Many times from tuning the bridge can get pulled slightly forward (toward the nut). Always keep an eye on the bridge and pull it back in place if this happens. Lubricating the bridge with a #2 pencil where the string sits will usually allow the bridge to be pulled back without loosening the strings. Properly fitted, the bridge should be straight up, or lean slightly backward toward the tailpiece. If the bridge is leaning forward when in full contact with the top, the feet have not been properly fitted.

Another tip about bridge geometry: the curvature of the bridge top determines how much the bow angle must change when changing strings (string crossovers). Hold the fiddle sideways straight out in front of you with the neck in your left hand and the end of the body in your right hand, and the bridge pointing up toward the ceiling. Now looking at the strings just in front of the bridge, rotate the fiddle so that the G and A strings line up in your line of sight. Notice how high above this line the D string is. Now rotate the fiddle to line up the D and E strings and look at the height above this line that the A string is. Of course you want these two heights to be the same. This is about 1/16 inch for a typical student setup. Many fiddlers want less height here (a flatter bridge) so that less arm motion is required for strings crossovers. The flatter the bridge, the more skill is required to stay on the string you intend to be on.

p1cklef1sh - Posted - 03/11/2012:  09:36:25

whats a bridge?

boxbow - Posted - 03/11/2012:  18:29:14

It's a structure somewhere in Alaska that goes nowhere.

p1cklef1sh - Posted - 03/12/2012:  05:31:50

lol! I was expecting something more like "the section of a piece that unites the melody with the chorus".