Violin Fiddle Cutting and Fitting a Bridge

Subject: Arched bridge versus flat bridge
Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2004 08:41:01 -0800

Hi,Mickey, I read somewhere that it helps to flatten out your bridge so that double stops are easier to play. Okay here's my question: How flat should the bridge be? I mean, shouldn't there be some arch still left in the bridge? I've tried some double stops on the violin the way it is and it's pretty hard to get it just right, but I don't want to flatten it out too much. What do you think?

Greetings,

The bridge on a violin has to be adjusted to exacting specifications...it's very easy to go off center...so, sanding and filing needs to be carried forward with extreme care.

There definitely needs to be some arch...you wouldn't be able to play if it was completely flattened...all you would be doing, to attain the easier double-stops is subtly flattening the arch...the arch is as pronounced yet, it will have the same dimension overall. My suggest would be to have a luthier cut one for you...if you're determined to do it yourself, try buying a couple of extra bridges, model them after the bridge you have on your violin now...and then try experimenting with lowering the arch...do it in increments and place it back on your violin and test it before going too extreme...

We highly recommend that this type of work be performed by a qualified repair technician...

Hope something here helps...Mickey

Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 17:24:27 -0700
Subject: Re: CUTTING NEW BRIDGE for violin

I NEED TO INSTALL A NEW BRIDGE ON MY FIDDLE, I VE BEEN TOLD SO MANY DIFFERENT THINGS, I'M CONFUSED. WOULD WOU PLEASE TELL ME THE CORRECT METHOD TO SHAPING AND INSTALLING THE NEW BRIDGE
THANKS
LYNN FOX

Greetings Lynn,

If you do not have any experience in doing this, I would have to suggest that you visit your local luthier...it's a very critical process.

If you're adamant about doing this, and you still have the old bridge, I would try to copy the old arch as accurately as would be possible...and the legs will also have to be fitted...if there's air gaps on the legs, you'll have to sand it down to fit the arch properly...

My suggestion still stands, have a luthier cut the bridge to properly fit your violin.

Hope this helps...Mickey
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