Bridge shape asymmetrical?

crompton · #1 06-20-2006, 09:59 PM

I'm just about to start shaping a new bridge and as far as I can see the curve needs to be quite asymmetrical because the fingerboard clearance has to be progressively higher from G to E - ie the high point will be pushed out towards the E side. Can someone confirm to me whether (or not) it's usual to shape the bridge asymmetrically like that? I'd like to get some confort level before I start cutting! Thanks...

jallenbass · #2 06-20-2006, 10:18 PM

Pictures?

reedo35 · #3 06-21-2006, 06:06 AM

Nothing really odd about that. The bottom line is that the countour of the bridge has to match the contour of the fingerboard. Nowadays it seems a lot of guys have a rounded fingerboard, which equals a rounded bridge. Personally I tlike it like this, but I have no problem playing a beveled fingerboard either.

Andy Allen · #4 06-21-2006, 09:26 AM

This bridge is on an old german bass that I auditioned (and may still buy).

http://funkyfusion.home.mindspring.c...8%20Bridge.jpg

It worked well, and I've seen similar bridges on many other instruments.

Andy

crompton · #5 06-23-2006, 01:27 PM

Thanks for the picture, Andy - yes, that's exactly the kind of thing I'm thinking of - it's more extreme but the right idea.

crompton · #6 06-23-2006, 01:28 PM

reeo35: thanks for the reply. What do you mean by a bevelled fingerboard? Are you talking about where it drops away under the E string? Or something else...?

Andy Allen · #7 06-23-2006, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crompton

reeo35: thanks for the reply. What do you mean by a bevelled fingerboard? Are you talking about where it drops away under the E string? Or something else...?

The fingerboard in the picture I posted above is bevelled. I imagine it is to give the E more room to vibrate without clanking on the fingerboard. Some love this, some seem to hate it. It didn't make a great deal of difference to me when I tried the bass.

Andy

reedo35 · #8 06-23-2006, 06:22 PM

Yes in airbass's picture you can see the noticable angle at which the fingerboard drops on the E side. That's a bevel. I Also agree, some love it, some hate it and some don't care. I don't think it improves your playing either way, only practice can do that, speaking of which, off I go...