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Tell me exactly what bridge
adjusters do?
Bridge adjusters are a simple
yet ingenious device that raise or lower one's strings in order
to facilitate a more desirable playing action. In those countries
whose seasonal variation in atmospheric conditions is great enough
to create a height movement in the table of an instrument the bridge
adjuster is obligatory. In countries of a temperate climate players
have traditionally used "fixed-leg" bridges. Now however,
the versatility of using a bridge with an almost infinite variation
in its height settings is becoming much more apparent. Jazz players
who convert to their use are able to set their string action spot-on
to their favourite height while in a matter of seconds orchestral
players are able to change from an action suitable for the playing
of Brahms or Beethoven symphonies to one much more suited to say
the playing of chamber music or solo work.
What about fitting?
We do supply fitting instructions
however it does involve a number of precise operations so it is
advisable to have your adjusters fitted by an experienced repairer.
Here is a brief overview of the fitting procedure:
a) Set bridge up in a drilling
jig.
b) Drill hole of appropriate
width and depth through each foot of the bridge.
c) Saw feet of bridge off at
appropriate height.
d) Make adjustments to bridge
height as necessary.
e) Insert a steel-retaining
pin into each foot of the bridge at the necessary height.
f) Insert smooth end of adjusters
into foot end of bridge, assemble and set up as required.
How long does fitting take?
Fitting time takes about an hour
for somebody that knows what they are doing.
Once fitted will the adjusters
cause any loss or change to the sound to my instrument?
In a word - No. Although this
is somewhat surprising, tests have been done that suggest that the
aluminium adjusters in particular transmit the vibrations from the
string in a very similar manner to that of a good quality bridge.
Just ask any player who has had them fitted - they all rave about
them.
Can all bridges be fitted
with the adjusters?
No. When fitting the adjusters a hole
is drilled through each of the legs - so it is essential that that
the legs of the bridge are fairly straight.
Summary:
The advantage of the aluminium adjusters
is that they are extremely lightweight and the design - a "free-rotating"
adjuster wheel on a thread is beautifully simple. These adjusters
really are an essential aid to today's player - they just make every
sort of playing so much easier.
Length of adjuster: 4.3cm
Diameter of wheel: 3.0cm
Weight of one adjuster: 14.5gms
Price UK£ 26-00
Shipping costs - UK, EU
and USA - UK£8-00
Is the function of the brass
bridge adjusters the same as the aluminium ones?
Yes it is - so for more general information
on the purpose of bridge adjusters and on the method of fitting
- please visit the relevant paragraphs on aluminium adjusters.
What are the differences
between the aluminium and brass adjusters?
The aluminium adjusters are extremely
light-weight. The design - a "free-rotating" adjuster
wheel on a thread is beautifully simple. These will do the job just
fine.
The brass adjusters do have a
weight disadvantage but this is outweighed by a fixed wheel design
with the benefit of a free-rotating cap on the smooth end and an
internal thread mechanism on the threaded end. All this results
in a far superior adjustment action in comparison to the aluminium
adjusters.
Bridge adjusters really are an essential
aid to today's player - they just make every sort of playing so
much easier. The internal thread mechanism of the brass adjusters
means that height adjustments to the strings are effortless and
super-smooth.
Stats: Brass Adjuster
Length of each adjuster: 4.3cm
Diameter of each wheel: 3.0cm
Weight of one adjuster: 47.0gms
Price
UK£ 52-00
Shipping costs - UK, EU and
USA - UK£8-00
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