I’m finishing up this bridge for a very nice Antoniazzi violin. The bridge is a crucial part of the sound, playability and character of any string instrument and it demands the utmost skill for it to be all it should be. It first has to endure the immense string tension down and remain upright through it all. Its next purpose is to transfer the strings vibrations to the top as efficiently as possible. To perform both these roles effectively the bridge must have enough wood -with no extra to get in the way – and it must be in all in the right places. I think of it like an athlete – it must have all the muscle it needs and no fat. Lastly it must have style and personality which only comes from a sharp blade and a skilled hand. When all is done I hold my breath and brand it – hoping that I got my name on straight
