Violin Forum/Message Board

[masterbass]

I actually know two kind of bridges, french and belgian. Sometimes I see one called german....
Can anyone throw any light about this matter?
Hoy many types do you know? There is any different about the sound that produces?

Thank you
_________________
www.contrabajo.es
www.forumcontrabajo.foroactivo.com

Spanish doublebass site

[Leif Luscombe]

The French and German models are generally quite similar. I remember when I first started in the trade I had some difficulty telling them apart. French tends to be the most common bridge style for cello and bass, with Belgian as second.

The Belgian bridge can be recognizes by the high, round arch of the legs and round curves that dominate the Belgian style, as opposed to the French with its somewhat shorter/straighter legs and sharper corners, in general, The Belgian has a rounded "heart" and "arms", whereas the French has a pointed "heart", and "arms".

There is a difference in sound, which is generally attributed to the arch height. The higher arch of the Belgian tends to produce a more open tone. There are other differences in tonal colour which I am finding difficulty to describe at this time; I will give it some thought and perhaps visit again to add to this post.
_________________
Leif Luscombe
Violin Maker and Dealer
The Violin Forum Moderator

[masterbass]

It´s all a very interesting information.
I supossed French and German models were very similar in shape. I have to tell that in Spain it´s more common the french model. I really disclaim the reason.
Thank you
Best Regards,
Fernando
_________________
www.contrabajo.es
www.forumcontrabajo.foroactivo.com

Spanish doublebass site

[Leif Luscombe]

The main difference between the German and French models is that the German model has perfectly round holes by the arms of the bridge, whereas in the French model, they are oval/elliptical.
_________________
Leif Luscombe
Violin Maker and Dealer
The Violin Forum Moderator

[masterbass]