What is a bridge on a string instrument?
Q: What is a bridge on a string instrument?
A: A bridge on a string instrument is something that stands on the body of the instrument and supports the strings. It sends the vibrations of the strings to the main part of the instrument so that sound can be heard.
Q: How does it look like?
A: The bridge of an instrument in the violin family (violin, viola, cello and double bass) can be seen very clearly. It is a piece of hardwood which is shaped like a bridge with an arch-like top so that one string can be played at a time. The feet of the bridge have to be shaped to fit on the front of the curved body or “belly” of the instrument.
Q: Is it fixed to an instrument?
A: No, it is not fixed to an instrument; it is only held up because of tension from tightness in strings. The soundpost, which is also held up by tension from strings and bridges, is also not fixed but rather held up by tension as well.
Q: Where does sound come from?
A: The part between where player puts their finger and where they place their fingerboard gives off sound due to vibrations coming from strings being supported by bridges.
Q: How do other instruments such as banjos use bridges?
A: On banjos, bridges work in same way as other string instruments - supporting strings and sending vibration for sound production - however guitars are different since its bridges are fixed while its strings are attached to them instead.
Q: Are there any instruments with moveable bridges?
A: Yes, there are instruments with moveable bridges such as Japanese koto which has separate bridge for each string.
