About Gill Expertise I can answer questions about the anatomy of the violin (aka. parts of the violin),violin technique and musicality as well as tips on performance preparation, repertiore selection, Royal Conservatory of Music exam requirements and formats, and other schools of learning such as the Suzuki method. I can suggest violin teachers in the GTA East and can recommend reputable shops for purchasing violins, parts, strings and books/repretoire.
Experience I have been a violinist for 18 years and have extensive experience in ensemble performance. I teach both private and group violin lessons, and have completed the Grade 10 Practical exam for violin with the Royal Conservatory. I studied violin (primarily under the education heading) at University as well.
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Arts from an Ontario University (Music Minor).
Grade 10 Practical (violin)--Royal Conservatory of Music
Expert: Gill Date: 9/26/2007 Subject: about violin bridge
Question I have a strunal violin model 193wa. A friend told me that the bridge is too high. How can I know if it is high or suitable, and what difference does it make? thank you very much.
Answer Hi Sadek!
Is your violin a full size violin or is it a smaller student violin? If it is not a full size instrument but has a bridge which is meant for a full size, then yes the bridge is probably too big.
However, if it is a full size with a full sie bridge, then whether or not the bridge is too high is basically up to you. It is pretty much about preference. The height of the bridge as well as the degree to which it is curved determine how high the strings sit off of the fingerboard and how far apart the strings are. The more severe the curve, the more distance between the strings. What this means is that when you change strings when playing, your bow has to rock farther to get to the new string. Some players prefer a bridge with only a little curve so that playing required less bow movement. However, for beginner players this makes it a little trickier because there is more of a chance of nicking another string while trying to play.
If you are considering getting a new bridge I would suggest going to a violin shop and having it changed for you. If it is attached improperly then there is a good possibility that the bridge, violin or strings can be damaged. Any time the strings are tuned, the or the violin is played, pressure is put on the bridge. The last thing you would want is a snapped bridge while you are trying to play.
