What kind of violin bridge is the best for a beginner, Low, Medium or high?

Question:I am trying to get a violin bridge online, but there are Low, Medium and High three different kinds of bridges,I am confused.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I am trying to get a violin bridge online, but there are Low, Medium and High three different kinds of bridges,I am confused.

Many people buy pre-notched and pre-fitted bridges, especially if they are in the low income level. I keep a few in my room for emergencies myself. The best thing to do is to match the bridge as closely as you can with the one that broke. The "high" bridge is generally made for 4/4 violins (full size violins) with a high fingerboard. The "Medium" bridges are generally made for a violin with a low fingerboard or a high soundboard. The "low" Bridges are almost always for a 3/4 size violin or a custom made instrument. The spacing between the notches can also give you some strong indication as to whether the bridge was made for a full size or three quarter size violin.

I agree that it is always better to get a custom made bridge, but the last student who got a custom bridge fitted for his instrument got a bill for fifty five dollars. I have several students whose parents would pull them out of the program if they got a bill for fifty five dollars for a bridge. I also have several students whose entire instrument cost about a hundred dollars and the bridges on those instruments are exactly the same as the ones I replace them with.

If you can't afford a custom bridge, either match the bridge to the one that broke, or choose the bridge that clears the strings all the way down the fingerboard without causing any buzz or canceling out (where the string sounds like the same note no mater where you place it. It should also never be more than about an eighth of an inch away from the fingerboard at any one spot and should not make the instrument any harder to play than it was when you had your old bridge on it. The counter person at the music store, or the repair person should be able to advise you for free, or ask your music teacher or band director.

Some instrumentalists also buy an extra bridge to keep in the case. If they play more than one style of music, they may keep a rounded and a flat bridge in the same case for when they are playing gypsy or fiddle music (lots of double and triple stops) Most musicians keep separate instruments around for different styles of playing however. Changing bridges often can be really hard on strings.

Try to get a bridge with "adjustable feet" if you do not get a custom made bridge. These bridges are more likely to conform to the top of your instrument without digging into it or damaging it, and are more likely to transmit the sound.

Hope this helps. If I missed anything feel free to give me a shout and I'll do what I can.

The height of a bridge doesn't have anything to do with the developmental level of the player; you shouldn't buy a bridge yourself -- you should take your instrument to a luthier and have a bridge fitted to your instrument.