CELLO BRIDGE HEIGHT

(1) The relation of bridge height to string type. Cello full size: String 1 fingerboard Error! Hyperlink reference not valid., gut 5.5 mm String 1 fingerboard clearance, steel 4.0 mm String 4 fingerboard clearance, gut 8.0 mm String 4 fingerboard clearance, steel 6.5 mm The newer steel strings (Helicore) have a wider vibrating amplitude. Their string clearance needs to be a bit more than 4.0 mm but not quite that of gut. The Dominant strings have the same vibrating amplitude as gut therefore their clearance should be the same as gut. The amount of scoop in the fingerboard underneath the strings is very important. Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. rule is 1/2 the string diameter in a very smooth curve with no bumps or valleys. > (2) Whether the bridge height affects the ease with which the cello speaks? I > have recently bought a much heavier bow, which solves some of the problems, > but it seemsto sacrifice some of the creaminess of the tone. Or is the > 'speakingness' just an inherent and unalterable characteristic of each > instrument? Bridge height is very important. As you know, cellos are very sensative to heat and even more so humidity. Do the following in the winder and summer seasons to check the "fingerboard projection" height at the bridge. Keep a written record to be given to the luthier when repairs are made. Fingerboard projection is the point on the bridge which would correspond when a long straight edge is held on the fingerboard between the D and G strings and extended past the end until it hits the front of the bridge. Mark this point on the bridge with a pencil point. This point should be 81 mm above the cello top directly under the bridge. With this fingerboard projection and the string clearance as stated above, the pressure which the strings exert upon the cello top are ideal. If the instrument does not respond to your expectations there can be many things wrong. ie. Sound post position, tightness or looseness; Old or bad strings, wrong guage, etc.; Bass bar is overly stiff, overly weak, wrong position, tuned incorrectly in relation to the top; The cello top may be overly stiff, overly weak; The bridge may be in the wrong position; The tail piece may be overly heavy or light (most are much to heavy); The fingerboard may be to long, to short, to stiff, to weak; ribs may be overly thick and stiff, or they are overly tall or short; The back graduations may be overly stiff or weak; The arching of the top and back may be wrong. As you can see, it takes a very experienced luthier to diagnose these problems. It takes and even more experienced and talented luthier to correct them!!!