Checking case clearance at bridge

[MaestronetLurker]

I thought of a simple way to check clearance at the bridge inside a closed case. Wish I thought of it before, but if anyone has a better way I'd love to know. Pretty common concern, but I've usually relied on wear patterns and my best guess.

To check the clearance I used a piece of drafting tape with a second piece folded over so the middle was not sticky. I used this to create a pocket that a short piece of wood (I used a tongue depressor) can slide up and down with little resistance when taped against the back of the bridge. End result is that I can close the case and check the clearance.

This bridge broke because the case it was kept in makes contact with the bridge when it is closed, but before recommending a replacement I wanted to know there was plenty of space. Also notable, leaning hard on the cover of the case (it's a foam case for a cheap cello) depressed the case 5mm towards the bridge.

[Brad Dorsey]

I like the idea because it shows the amount of clearance if there is any.

 

What I have always done is rub some chalk on the top of the bridge, close the case, open it and look for chalk on the inside of the case lid.  This shows contact or no contact, but it does not show the amount of clearance.

[David Burgess]

I usually just stick a lump of clay on top of the bridge and close the case, but your idea is more creative.