Filippo Sciarra Posted January 29 Report Share Posted January 29 Hi all. This is the bridge that was one the cheap 19th century french fiddle that I bought on ebay, of which I've already made two posts. I decided to see if I could reuse it: cleaned it up, refined some spots and in general looked at it. And I noticed that one of the two feet is a bit snatched, damaged, as you can see in the picture. Could I still use it, or do I need to make a new one? I have a blank Aubert Etude n. 5 ready, in case. What do you think? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donbarzino Posted January 29 Report Share Posted January 29 It looks functional to me. How thick are the feet, you could hide most of the damage by thinning the feet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad Dorsey Posted January 29 Report Share Posted January 29 It would not be considered a “proper” bridge in the world of fine violins, but I have seen people playing with much worse. My main concern with this bridge would would be that the smaller area of that foot will exert slightly greater pressure on the top, possibly damaging the varnish. But it’s probably fine for a cheap Ebay fiddle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bkwood Posted January 29 Report Share Posted January 29 I wouldn't use it. The damaged foot won't bear evenly on the top. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Filippo Sciarra Posted January 29 Author Report Share Posted January 29 37 minutes ago, Brad Dorsey said: My main concern with this bridge would would be that the smaller area of that foot will exert slightly greater pressure on the top, possibly damaging the varnish. As you said, there are way bigger varnish damages on this violin, so I doubt this would be anything remotely relevant. I'm just asking to make sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgeH Posted January 29 Report Share Posted January 29 The string grooves in the top look a bit too deep, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blank face Posted January 29 Report Share Posted January 29 Usually these old bridges have a bad fit and a low string action. The curve allows a bit fiddling in the lower positions only, if one doesn’t mind to hit several strings at once with the bow, as well as the deep grooves damping the tone. This would be more concerning than a chipped foot to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Filippo Sciarra Posted January 29 Author Report Share Posted January 29 3 hours ago, Blank face said: Usually these old bridges have a bad fit and a low string action. I think I'll try it and then will decide if I'll need to change the bridge. I also don't really know what to do with this violin in general, since I obviously don't need it (I already have a couple, probably better, ones) but don't really feel confident selling it since I'm not a luthier and could not really guarantee anything to an hypothetical buyer. What do you think? Everything considered, if everything left to do goes well I'll have spent a bit more then €200 for the violin and new things (pegs, fingerboard, nut, bridge and strings). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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