Learning how to fit a violin bridge is part of basic violin maintenance. When you're comfortable with your violin and capable of taking care of the maintenance yourself, you'll save yourself not only time but money and aggravation. Here are some tips to help you learn how to fit a violin bridge.
Fitting a violin bridge can be very frustrating and take a long time to figure out how to do. Professional bridge makers will use knives and chisels to fit the bridge. Loosen the strings on your violin before you fit the bridge. Place the bridge on a piece of sandpaper on top of the violin. Sand the foot down until the bridge is at its right dimension.
When you fit the violin bridge, put it between the f-holes. There will be a line joining the inner notches where you can place the bridge. Remember, as you're fitting the violin bridge, that one side should be lower than the other. The E string should be able to fit into the notch on the lower side while the G string should rest on the higher side. The fingerboard should be a little bit lower than the bridge. The tailpiece side should be perpendicular to the violin top.
Tighten the strings again. Make sure you check the positioning of the bridge again after you've tightened the strings, because tightening the strings can cause the bridge to move. Start with the G string, then E, D and finally the A string.
Finally tune the violin again. Make sure that you tighten the strings only a little bit at a time to avoid moving the bridge.
 | Learning how to play the violin isn't easy, but you can get started on your own before taking lessons. |
The basic facts about violins can help music lovers to better appreciate this humble instrument. |
Players who know how to tune a violin will save money and time. Learn how here. |
If you know how to rehair a violin bow, you can save yourself a bundle. Learn how here. |
Facts about the violin's lesser known cousin, the viola. |
