Bass Bridges made of Spruce!/JD

[Delwin D Fandrich]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Farrell" <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: February 25, 2002 3:52 PM
Subject: Re: Bass Bridges made of Spruce!/JD


> Why not? Nice and light-weight. As long as you keep it below the depth to
which bridge pins go. Is there a need for mass in the bridge - especially a
bass bridge?
>
> Terry Farrell

There is no particular need for high mass in the bass bridge, but it's not
particularly bothersome (or noticeable) either. Remember, mass has more
effect on the higher frequencies and springiness on the lower frequencies of
the piano's energy spectrum.

No, I haven't tested and/or documented this, but I have replaced a lot of
bridges both with and without all the fancy holes drilled in them that are
obviously intended to lighten them up. I've never noticed that the holes
made any difference at all.

I see no reason why a bass bridge body could not be made out of spruce or
maple or beech or ash or everyone's favorite--Select Hardwood--for that. I
doubt the acoustical differences would be all that noticeable. The choice of
material used in the body--either good or bad--will certainly be less than
sticking a cantilever under there.

Del