Violins are fascinating musical instruments. The sounds they produce are like none other. That said, the best way to get the most out of a violin is to accessorize it. Essentially, equip it with the most essential accessories, and you’ll have a smooth-sailing playing experience.
One accessory that we particularly recommend is a violin bridge. As you’ll come to learn, this part is responsible for holding the strings in place.
Now, if you’ve been searching for the best violin bridges, we’ve got you covered. In the guide below, we’ve reviewed 8 top-rated bridges. Let’s dig in.
Reviews of the 8 Best Violin Bridges
1. Glaesel Violin Bridge
If you’ve been looking to invest in a self-adjusting violin bridge, the Glaesel model is just what you need.
The one area where this bridge shines is flexibility. This makes the process of installing the bridge on your violin smooth and flawless.
You’ll also be impressed to learn that this bridge has movable feet. Thanks to this aspect, they automatically adapt to any changes that happen in the top curvature of your violin.
This construction enables you to achieve such an accurate fit that would be impossible to get when using an ordinary one-piece bridge.
Ultimately, the one thing you’ll be interested in is the impact this bridge has on your instrument’s sound. Luckily, it excels in this font too. You'll find that the bridge definitely improves an instrument’s sound performance.
Pros
Cons
Is this your first time playing with a violin? If so, the Student Violin Bridge Fine Maple is the ultimate pick as it’s designed with novice users in mind.
One of its key highlights is its sturdy construction. Made from fine hard maple, this is one of the most durable violin bridges you’ll find.
Apart from durability, another benefit you get from the maple build is the sound improvement. Violinists report that the bridge enables the violin to produce a bright and vibrant tone.
Yet another feature that makes it suitable for beginners is its pricing. It comes in at a very low price, making it the best budget violin bridge.
That said, this bridge won’t work with any size of violin. This is because it’s designed specifically for the ¾ violin.
Also crucial to note is that this bridge is unfitted. This means that you’ll probably have to sand it down and create notches for the strings.
Pros
Cons
If you don’t mind spending a chunk of money on a premium-quality model, then consider the Aubert Semi-Fitted Violin Bridge.
The fact that it was invented back in the 1860s is testament enough that this bridge can stand the test of time. Its durability and unparalleled performance can be attributed to its maple wood construction.
The manufacturer has also used ebony to make the U-shaped insert; further enhancing its longevity. However, the one thing that really sets the Aubert violin bridge apart is the artistic French style and design.
The Aubert unit is a full-sized bridge, meaning it’s compatible with any 4/4 size violin. It sports a semi-fitted design that enables it to slide right in. But if it doesn’t fit snugly, you can sand it down a bit before installing.
Pros
Cons
One of the limitations of most violin bridges is that they come in a specific size. D’Luca has gone a notch higher and invented a bridge that comes in all violin sizes.
So whether you own a ¾ or 1/10, you’re guaranteed of getting the correct violin bridge replacement for your instrument.
Another reason why D’Luca VB-2 is ranked as the best violin bridge is its affordability. With a very low price tag, this wooden bridge offers excellent value for money.
That said, it’s important to note that this is an unfitted bridge. What this means is that you’ll have to make a few adjustments to get it to fit in your violin. If you’re not a handy person or prefer an already-fitted bridge, you may have to choose another one.
Pros
Cons
Having reviewed one of their products, it is no secret that Aubert is among the best violin bridge brands. Thus, it’s not surprising that another one of their inventions has made it to our list.
The Josef Teller Adjustable is a 4/4 violin bridge, which simply means that it’s compatible with full-size instruments.
Right off the bat, you’ll notice that this bridge has adjustable feet- a factor that facilitates maximum balance with the instrument’s fingerboard.
Another thing we love about this bridge is that it’s designed with longevity in mind. The air-dried Bosnian maple used in its build is dried for several years, resulting in a high-quality violin bridge.
In addition to durability, using this material significantly improves the sound quality that the violin produces.
Pros
Cons
The Cremona VP-202 2-star violin bridge is another accessory worth checking out.
One reason why we consider this a good violin bridge is the ease of fitting. As you may have noticed, most bridges have to be tapered or sanded to achieve a proper fitting. But this one comes already pre-cut and tapered, for a quick and smooth installation.
The northern maple construction is another highlight of this bridge. This not only enhances durability but also the tonal projection of any instrument where it’s installed.
The fact that it’s available in multiple sizes is yet another reason why it’s regarded as one of the best violin bridges. Specifically, it comes in ½, ¼, ⅛, 1/16, 1/32, ¾, and 4/4.
Pros
Cons
Are you looking for the most advanced violin bridge? If you are, consider the Aubert VB-7.
The manufacturer boasts more than a century’s worth of experience, so you can be sure that this is a reliable 4/4 violin bridge.
One thing that sets this bridge apart is the use of carefully-aged European maple in its build. The resulting violin maple bridge is not only durable but also helps to improve the tonal output of your musical instrument.
Also crucial to note is that this is a semi-fitted bridge. The Aubert violin bridge arrives cut using advanced methods. This significantly reduces the amount of sanding you have to do to get a good fit.
Pros
Cons
Another accessory that makes for a superb student violin bridge is the Lsgoodcare.
The main reason why we recommend this for students is the fact that it offers maximum value for money. Here, you’ll get 10 quality bridges for the price of one.
And the best part is that the manufacturer hasn’t compromised on durability. Each violin bridge is made of old-aged maple wood, guaranteeing outstanding durability.
Important to note though is that this is a full-size violin maple bridge. Put simply; it can only work with 4/4 violins, and not anything smaller.
Pros
Cons
What to Look For in a Violin Bridge
Though they may look similar, violin bridges aren’t created equally. To help you pick the best, here are a few points you should keep in mind:
Thickness
The thickness of a given bridge will determine the kind of sound the violin produces. A thicker bridge will have more difficulty transmitting vibrations. Due to this, the resulting sound will be soft and weak.
However, you also don’t want to buy a very thin bridge. If you do, the bridge may end up cracking under the pressure of the strings.
Sure, a thinner bridge produces a brighter sound than a thick bridge. But, it may not be able to withstand pressure for that long.
So just what is the ideal bridge thickness? According to experts, the foot thickness of a standard violin bridge should range between 4 and 5 mm.
Fit
Another thing you’ll want to consider is the fitting of the feet. If you’re new to violin bridges, the feet are the parts that touch the top of the instrument.
For the best outcome, the gap between the feet and the violin should be kept to a minimum. This will ensure that most, if not all of the energy, is transferred to the instrument. If the space is very large, this can affect sound transfer between the bridge and the body of the violin.
It’s important that you don’t overlook this aspect. A bridge is a high-quality accessory, but it won’t be of any help if it’s not the right fit.
Curvature
If you’ve been shopping for violin bridges for a while, you may have noticed that there are flat and curved varieties.
The easiest way to distinguish between the two is to inspect their tops. With a curved bridge, the top takes the shape of an arch. This causes one end to be slightly higher than the other. The higher-end is the part that goes on the G-string whereas the lower end attaches to the E string.
By now, you’re probably wondering why the G string sits at a more elevated position. Well, this creates more height and space, allowing it to vibrate against the fingerboard.
The E string is thinner so it doesn’t need as much space to generate the same vibrations. So the next time you’re looking for a high-quality bridge, check whether one of its ends is arched.
Angle
The violin bridge angle is another factor you’ll want to pay attention to. To ensure that it fits on the violin perfectly, it should stand precisely at 90 degrees on the top plate of the instrument.
Materials
Another feature you should pay attention to is the material used in the construction of the violin bridge. Most, if not all, bridges are made of maple.
The reason why maple is used is that it’s soft. This factor allows a luthier to manipulate it so he/she can achieve the desired bridge’s shape that fits the violin. Violinists also love the tonal project of violin bridges made of maple.
The one thing that sets these bridges apart is the length of the wood’s grain. If you want to identify a high-quality bridge, compare the wood’s grain on the front and back. The front should have a long grain and the rear a shorter one.
Aesthetics
Are you keen on the look for your violin accessories? If you are, then you’ll want to invest in the best violin bridges that are also aesthetically pleasing.
The appearance of a particular bridge will depend on the material used in its build. Thankfully, the vast majority of bridges are made of maple wood, which is naturally beautiful.
Brands
While this is not as important as other factors, it’s wise to buy from the best violin bridge brands available. Doing so ensures that you’re getting optimal value and durability.
And even if the violin bridge ends up having issues, you can always return it and get a replacement or free repair. On that note, here are some of the most reputable brands:
FAQs
How do I choose a bridge for my violin?
If you’re looking for a good quality bridge, there are a few things you should consider. First off, the bridge should be made of solid maple that not only boosts its durability but also its tonal output.
Secondly, it should be able to fit the size of the instrument you have. So if you have a 4/4 violin, then you’ll want to get a full-size violin maple bridge.
Finally, think about the type of sound you’re looking to create with your violin. If you’re aiming for a bright sound, then choose a thin bridge. However, if you’re looking for a softer sound, then go for something thicker.
Do violin bridges matter?
Yes, they do. The bridge may not be the most popular part of a violin but that doesn’t make it any less important.
Just to recap, the bridge is the part that holds the violin strings above the fingerboard. This is what directs the strings to the tailpiece, transferring these strings’ vibrations to the soundbox (body of the violin).
Once these vibrations reach the soundbox, they’re amplified, creating the beautiful sound that we hear.
What size violin bridge do I need?
Now, you have noticed that some of the bridges we reviewed come in different sizes. This is because violins also exist in different sizes. To ensure that the bridge fits properly, check whether the specified size corresponds to that of your violin.
What’s the difference between an unfitted and fitted bridge?
A fitted bridge is one that’s designed to fit most violins and arrives ready to use. So once you take it from the package, all you have to do is slide it into the right spot and it will fit perfectly.
Conversely, an unfitted bridge has to be carved or tapered down so that it fits into your instrument. If you’re a beginner, you’re better off buying a fitted bridge. Alternatively, you can buy an unfitted one and look for a Luthier to help you with its installation.
But, if you’re a professional violin player, there’s a good chance that you’ve carved a bridge before. So you’re free to buy the unfitted one, refine its size then incorporate it into your instrument.
How to install a bridge on a violin
Setting up a new bridge on a violin is a fairly straightforward process. But it’s one that requires a steady hand and precision. Follow these steps to set install it correctly:
1: Observe the positioning of the old bridge
Before you start tampering with your instrument, pay attention to its current setup. More specifically, take note of the exact location of the current bridge.
In some instruments, you’ll notice a tiny hole close to the violin’s head. If it’s present, you can use this as your landmark.
If you’re finding it difficult to master its setup, take a picture and use this as a point of reference.
2: Unfasten the violin strings
A common mistake the violinists do is to attempt installing the bridge while the strings are tight. But a violin bridge placement requires one to loosen the strings slightly. This will create some wiggle room in the violin, making the bridge easier to incorporate.
3: Install the new bridge
And now to the fun part! Place your brand new bridge in front of the current one. Once installed, you can proceed to remove the old bridge.
Removing the existing bridge may displace the new one by a small margin. Remember to check and adjust its position accordingly.
4: Tune the instrument
With the new bridge in position, the only thing left is to tweak the strings. That said, be extra careful when tuning these strings. Ensure that the bridge doesn’t move an inch forward and that it doesn’t get warped.
How to cut a violin bridge
There’s a reason why Luthiers charge a ton of money to fit a bridge into a violin. The process involved requires a lot of skill and prior experience. If you opt for the DIY approach, follow these steps to cut the bridge to size:
What wood is a violin bridge made of?
If you take a look at most of these musical instruments, you’ll notice that their bridges are made of maple. The only variation is the specific maple species used. Some are made of Northern maple, others European maple, and others Bosnian maple.
How much does a violin bridge cost?
Violin bridges are one of the most inexpensive accessories. The majority cost as little as $10. However, you may find a few whose prices range between $15 and $25.
When should you replace a violin bridge?
You’ll want to replace your violin bridge if it’s warped or if the strings are worn too deeply into its crown. Ideally, only 75% of each string should be positioned above the bridge.
Conclusion
Violins, like other stringed instruments, are equipped with bridges. These are typically positioned between the instrument’s body and the strings.
They’re meant to enhance tone quality. And the good thing is, most of them come with a preset snug fit. So you’ll need to make very minor adjustments to get the perfect sound from your violin.
On that note, one of the best violin bridges is the Glaesel Violin Bridge. Made of maple, this bridge is designed for full-size violins.
The one thing that makes it the right violin bridge for your instrument entails its adjustable feet. These allow it to automatically conform to any changes in your violin’s structure that may be caused by humidity or temperature fluctuations.
