Double Bass Bridge coating

[NC Violone]

I recall an old thread on this, but searching didn't bring anything up.

Do builders treat their bridges with some sort of finish i.e. linseed oil or the like? If so, reasons for doing so? Advantages or disadvantages?

Thank you.

 

[Ed Fuqua]

I think (but I really don't remember) that Jeff used the same bowling alley polish/paste/wax that he used on my fingerboard on the bridge. But you should e-mail him directly.

 

[ctregan]

Some will treat the bridge with ammonium or other chemicals to get rid of the new look of white maple.

Surface treatment such as wax or oil is to help keep the bridge clean.

I do not know if there are any treatments done for sound quality of the bridge.

 

[NC Violone]

Thanks. If memory serves from the other thread; some felt a coating helped with cleaning off old rosin as well.

 

[forester]

i have seen(i was told this was old school) a few that must have been submerged in warm oil for some length of time considering how far the oil had penetrated...( name brand maple) aside from being much darker then normal they were pretty nasty looking and dirty...i broke one up out of curiosity and set one on fire ofcourse ..burnt sooty like a pitch stick,heap big black smoke and a tall flame. only advantage i see was it was easy to light.

 

[Ken McKay]

I usually burnish the finished bridge with a smooth piece of cherry wood that has had some linseed oil applied and is dry. I don't get oil on the bridge just a burnished patina.

Sometimes I put some powdered artists colors on it to age it, but not usually.

I like straight bees wax on my fingerboards.