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Double Bass Double Bass Bridge Question ?

4

400$Bass

Jan 18, 2009
132
0
74
Central Indiana
#1
I pose this question on my wife's behalf. Do people ever finish their bridge with a stain and varnish, shellac, etc. In order to give it a "finished" look and not a raw wood look as they all seem to have? I'm thinking perhaps a finished bridge could effect the sound, but don't know this for sure?
 
#2
My friend, Anton Krutz believes that violin, viola and cello bridges are treated by the manufacturer with some kind of hardener. Due to their larger size, bass bridges aren't because whatever is used would take too long to fully penetrate, making it impractical. He was telling me about something he is working on to simulate this effect. I may give it a try.
 
#3
Aubert and Despiau bridges are treated to make them harder. It doesn't bother me when I'm planing ther bridges thinner bit I sometimes wonder when I'm sanding if I'm in danger.

I don't know of any reason not to finish a bridge but neither can I think of a good reason to do so. I oiled mine for a brief span but really a raw bridge has the right look. :)
 
#4
I think SOME of the aubert and despiau bridges are treated. They are the more expensive ones.

The best treatment for hardening wood is to leave the freshly cut maple blank out in the moonlight overnight, then run three times naked around a lighted candle holding the bridge by the wings. Works every time.
 
#6
Matthew Tucker said:
The best treatment for hardening wood is to leave the freshly cut maple blank out in the moonlight overnight, then run three times naked around a lighted candle holding the bridge by the wings. Works every time.
Click to expand...

ROFL! Thanks for the chuckle, I needed it this morning... Considering some of the voodoo surrounding endpins, soundposts and tailpieces, I wonder how many people will actually try this...

Chris
 
#7
CPike said:
ROFL! Thanks for the chuckle, I needed it this morning... Considering some of the voodoo surrounding endpins, soundposts and tailpieces, I wonder how many people will actually try this...

Chris
Click to expand...
I did. It works as advertised. I noticed a substantial bump in the fundamental of my instrument. The moon must be full.
 
#9
This may be voodoo, I don't know.
OTOH, changing the hardness or density of a bridge would seem to change its transfer of vibrations to/from the top. A change might alter the frequency balance as well, making the bass sound darker or brighter. Anton told me that his trials indicate a louder, clearer tone with a richness that normally comes with an older instrument. It is brushed on the bridge with the bridge in place and strings at pitch, so the treatment is the only variable in play.
 

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