How to Replace a Violin Bridge

It is important that the bridge of a violin be properly positioned and in good shape. The bridge should be checked frequently to make sure that it hasn't moved or become warped. The bridge will warp and bend with time and should be replaced when this occurs.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Check your violin bridge for warping. If the bridge is warped and curved, it will need to be replaced. The bridge should stand flat against the body of the violin and be perfectly straight for the violin stings to sound properly.

2. Loosen the strings. This will let you remove the old bridge and replace it with the new.

3. Remove the old bridge and put the new one in its place. In order to get the correct positioning of the bridge, take a piece of paper and line the edges of the paper up with the inner indentions of the F hole. Place the edges of the bridge up against the paper and the bridge will be lined up where it needs to be. The feet of the bridge should be at equal distances from the indentions of the F hold as well. This will ensure that you get the bridge exactly where it needs to be.

4. Place the strings in the appropriate notches in the bridge. Make sure to hold the bridge in place so that it doesn't move or tilt. The bridge needs to remain straight and correctly positioned.

5. Tighten up the strings so that the bridge is held in place. You will want to do this beginning with the G and E string and then the D and A string.

6. Tune the violin. In order to make sure that the bridge doesn't move, tune the strings bit by bit, moving from string to string. Tuning one string all at once will cause the bridge to move and shift.

Tips & Warnings

• To help cut down on the bridge warping, always tune your violin in increments moving from string to string until they are all tuned. This will limit the amount of different pressures that the bridge is under and help slow the movement and warping of the bridge.
• If you find that the strings slip on the new bridge, press them down in the bridge to make the groove for the string a little deeper. This will help hold the string in place.

[sapb0y]

on 1/20/2008 Bridges need to be cut to fit each violin, even if you buy a "pre-cut" bridge, the string hight will still need to be set for proper string action, and the interior notches on the f's usually define the centerline for bridge placement, but not always, string length needs to be taken into consideration as well.