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Bridge
Dec 20, 2007 5:25:30 GMT
Post by wanggx on Dec 20, 2007 5:25:30 GMT
Hi! I bought a new sandlewood bridge a few days ago. However, it seems that the distance between the two depression on the bridge is quite short. This is a problem when I play notes on the higher registers because the bow hair touches both strings and produces two notes at the same time . This can be very annoying at times. How do I solve this problem?
Wanggx
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Bridge
Dec 20, 2007 21:40:43 GMT
Post by davidmdahl on Dec 20, 2007 21:40:43 GMT
Ideally, you would get to choose a bridge from a bunch and try it out on the spot with your erhu. Some bows are pretty hairy, I think the Shanghai bows in particular, and can pose a problem with bridges that have narrow spacing between the string grooves. I think your options will be one of the following:
1. Recut the string grooves to better fit the bow 2. Get a different bow that is not quite so thick 3. Go back to your dealer and see if he will work with you to find a bridge that better fits your erhu/bow 4. Save the bridge for another time
I think that this is a common problem. I have more than a few bridges waiting for their chance on an erhu that I don't have yet.
Good luck.
Best wishes,
David
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Bridge
Dec 21, 2007 1:33:45 GMT
Post by wanggx on Dec 21, 2007 1:33:45 GMT
Hi David, thanks for the advice. One more thing, should I use a penknife and make another depression on the bridge so that the distance apart is much bigger?
Wanggx
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Bridge
Jan 9, 2008 21:46:23 GMT
Post by tj on Jan 9, 2008 21:46:23 GMT
If the distance is overly wide, you may run into troubles when you play notes at high registers.
Cutting another groove is not a good idea, unless the "correct" distance is 2mm more than the current one, which is very unlikely. Cutting a new groove very close to the current one will likely to chip the wood and you'll end up with a canal rather than a ditch, so to speak. You can probably see that I have made that mistake before.
I think out of David's suggestions, #3 is a good one.
If you have a very "hair" bow though, #2 should be good.
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