Every portion of a cello is essential. From the strings to the peg, each portion contributes to the playability and functionality of the said instrument. So, we will focus on one of its crucial parts — the cello bridge. Cello bridges play a role in supporting the cello strings. It also helps transmit the vibration of the strings to the soundboard of the cello. This ensures that you would produce an excellent sound. As a cellist, it is then essential to look for the best cello bridges.
Since there are lots of cello bridges that you can find on the market, choosing the ideal one might be a tall order. This is also because each cello bridge would come with its own unique features. To make things more convenient for you, we have identified ten of the best cello bridges that you can see on the market. To add to it, we also have discussed each of their features. This will allow you to identify the product that you would think would suit your preferences the most.
Best Cello Bridges
Cello Bridges | Price |
1. SKY Fitted Cello Maple Bridge | $24.99 |
2. YMC Cello Bridge | $15.99 |
3. SKY New Cello Bridge | $14.99 |
4. Vio Music Cello Bridge | $12.99 |
5. Aubert VB-14 Old European Cello Bridge | $39.97 |
6. PIXNOR Cello Bridge | No products found. |
7. Fafeims Cello Bridge | $8.85 |
8. JTeller 1077KF Cello Fitted Bridge | |
9. JinQu Cello Bridge | $12.99 |
10. Aubert 1051FM Bridge for Cello | $93.99 |
All Cello Bridges
1. SKY Fitted Cello Maple Bridge
Commencing our list of the best cello bridges is the SKY Fitted Cello Maple Bridge. This cello bridge is specifically designed and fitted for 4/4 full-size cellos. It is made of fine maple, making it sturdy. Being a cut and fitted bridge, you can readily put it in your cellos and play your instrument without any hassle.
2. YMC Cello Bridge
The YMC Cello Bridge, on the other hand, is constructed for a full-size 4/4 cello. This bridge is made of aged maple wood that has been laser cut. You can shape it easily to fit on your strings and cello. It offers high value at a low cost, so you can get your money’s worth.
3. SKY New Cello Bridge
The SKY New Cello Bridge is another option that you could choose from. This is a brand new high-quality unfit cello bridge. It is made of fine maple, ensuring you of good quality. The feet of this bridge need to be fitted to the arch of the cello belly. And the top of the bridge needs to be cut to the right height.
4. Vio Music Cello Bridge
The Vio Music Cello Bridge is another good option that you can choose from. This cello bridge has been designed for a 3/4 cello bridge. It is made of aged maple wood that has been laser cut. While it is unfitted, you can easily shape it to suit the specifications of your cello.
5. Aubert VB-14 Old European Cello Bridge
The Aubert VB-14 Old European Cello Bridge is made of carefully aged and dried select European maple bridge that has been cut using proprietary methods. It is durable and it adds a bright and rich tone to your cello. It further enhances the tonal output of your cello. This cello bridge is unslotted, yet it is ready for final set up.
6. PIXNOR Cello Bridge
The PIXNOR Cello Bridge is made of maple wood. Its stunning wood grain is able to produce a dark tone, hence improving the sound quality of your instrument. It is a fine piece of craftsmanship. It is able to fit most 4/4 size cellos, a good size for learning and practicing the instrument.
7. Fafeims Cello Bridge
The Fafeims Cello Bridge is made of high-quality maple wood. The wood material makes for good sound transmission, ensuring excellent sound quality for cello playing performance. This cello bridge is anti-rust, eco-friendly, study, odorless, and durable to use. More importantly, it is easy and simple to install and use. Because it is lightweight and compact, this cello bridge is convenient to bring around.
8. JTeller 1077KF Cello Fitted Bridge
The JTeller 1077KF Cello Fitted Bridge is made of select, well-aged European maple with an excellent figure. Due to it being a suitable option that meets the industry standard, you can ensure that it could bring a dark and sultry tone to your instrument.
9. JinQu Cello Bridge
The JinQu Cello Bridge is made of fine maple. Since it is already cut and fitted specifically for 4/4 sized cellos, you can easily install it and play without causing any hassle. You can easily shape it to fit your strings and cello.
10. Aubert 1051FM Bridge for Cello
Completing our list of the best cello bridges is the Aubert 1051FM Bridge for Cello. It is made with figured seasoned maple wood. The cello bridge features a self-adjusting feet swivel that precisely fits into the contour of your cello top. It is ideal for 4/4 size cellos. You can use it for student instruments or as an emergency.
What to Look for in Cello Bridges
Before you buy a cello bridge, it is important that you get to know the vital features that an ideal model should have. This way, you can easily pick the right cello bridge that would help support the strings of your cello. Moreover, getting to know these features will allow you to further gauge what cello bridges have the right quality to last a long time. Without further ado, here are four features that you should look for when picking the best cello bridges.
Curvature
One of the features that you should look into is the curvature of the cello bridge. You should ensure that the bridge should not be flat. Curved bridges are usually stronger than the flat ones. The reason behind it is that, the curved ones are able to provide support and withstand the downward pressure that the vibration of the strings will bring. Look for that little arching on the front and its relieved back.
Thickness
The next feature to look for is the thickness of the cello bridge. Its thickness would make a significant difference in the production of sound. The thicker the cello bridge, the more difficult it for it to transmit the vibrations throughout the cello bridge. Hence, the cello would sound soft and weak. You do not even want a very thin bridge since it has a chance to crack under the pressure that the strings would produce. It might sound bright, but it may not have the strength to carry on with the pressure of the cello strings. Hence, suggest choosing the bridge that is of the right thickness.
Fit
You also need to ensure that the feet of the cello bridge would fit perfectly. The feet of the bridge refer to the portion of the bridge that would come in contact with the top of the instrument. As much as possible, there should be no gap between the feet and the body of the cello. This way, the maximum amount of energy will be transferred without any hesitation. The space will only limit the sound transfer from the bridge to the body.
Angle
Completing our list of the features to consider when looking for the best cello bridges is the angle. The back of the cello bridge should have an angle of 90 degrees to the top of the cello. The unstamped side of the bridge that faces the player must be approximately 90 degrees to the top of the cello when you view it from the side. When it is titled to either direction, you increase the risk of having the bridge fall down, damaging the top of the cello.
The things that we have just talked about above are only a few of the things that you should keep in mind when looking through the best cello bridges. Like what we have mentioned earlier, the features above are essential so that you can gauge the quality of the products that you are going to purchase.
Conclusion
Whether you will be practicing or performing, having a top tier cello bridge is a must so that you will progressively improve your performance. The best cello bridges would come with the appropriate features that will help you improve your musicality and delivery as well. These include the curvature, fit, and thickness. They do not only serve their purpose of supporting the strings of your cello, but they would also help you become a better musician in the long run.
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