Bridge – Dimension / Proportion

[Eastman]

I have read a lot of threads in this forum about bridges and of course the bridge is one of the most important and delicately part of the bass. I have found a lot of information but nothing concerning the dimensions and proportions

There are a lot of different bridge forms available e.g. French, Belgian, German, Tourte and so. Of course these would affect the tone

Some of them are also available with different arch heights or feet lengths. Are there common rules about the arch height in relation to the total height of the bridge and how much woo should be left between the heart and the strings (A, D)? How would these relationships affect the sound of the bass?

By the way, doe’s somebody have experience with shaving the heart? Any recommendations how this will affects the sound.

Thanks for your help …

Eastman

[Thomas Stone]

I too would like some info on bridge design.

In particular the importance of the height of the wood over the heart.
How does this effect the sound?

My current (although not for too much longer) bridge has a tiny amount of wood there. literally 5 mm for A and D strings!! I have no idea why this was done, since the bridge adjusters are raised loads. I guess the chap who owned the bass before me thought he knew what he was doing on a bit of DIY.