'Wingless' Bridge

[Ken Smith]

Joel, great Post and welcome to the Forum. What a way to get your feet wet with posting. That Post was almost as long as our back and forth emails were..lol

On the subject of 'wingless', is the Dragonetti d'Salo Bass Bridge considered 'wingless' or something in between?

Also, I was recently reacquainted with my old Bass that I played and owned in NY for 20 years which I sold to buy my house. It is now in the hands of a great player in Helsinki Finland (Principal of the Section) and it has been converted to a 5-string. Is the Bridge on this bass 'wingless' as well or a hybrid in that respect?


I am glad you addressed the 'too bright' scenario because so many players today are jumping at every idea that pops out of the woodwork (literally) and it's not always best for everyone or every bass. Unlike with playing the Bass in a situation of trying the passage like this or like that, with basses, each trial idea is money and usually is a one way street with that expense.

[Joel Larsson]

Ah, it's good to hear different views! Last time I spoke with a Luthier, she was more into thick bridges to ensure that as much as possible of the vibrations were transplanted into the bass, so that no vibrations would 'spill over' into the tailpiece. Maybe I should get me another bridge someday, to try. But I can see the danger of the bridge warping... this ebony veneer, should it cleave the bridge in two or just be partly cut into the wood in the same manner as a graphite rod (or two) may be inserted in the neck of an electric bass? And about the density of the wood, would a higher density prevent it from warping or no, and how do it affect the sound?

[Calvin Marks]

Joel, thanks for your terrific input. It's one thing to speculate about these bridges without actually trying one out but it makes a world of difference when a world class player chimes in with his/her personal experiences.

I didn't know Ludi was the one that got you into these bridges. He mentioned that my bass could perhaps benefit from one while I was at his apartment several weeks ago.

PS: I'm sure we'd all love to hear more about your new Lamario bass!

Thanks again!

[Joel Larsson]

Originally Posted by Calvin Marks

Joel, thanks for your terrific input. It's one thing to speculate about these bridges without actually trying one out but it makes a world of difference when a world class player chimes in with his/her personal experiences.

Why, thank you Calvin, thank you, thank you!

[Mike Mandelas]

Finally we tried the wingless bridge in the pricipal's bass and the results were even better. From your replies it seems that this bridge is common knowledge to many of you, so it's good to know that we are not talking about reinventing the wheel.
I also tried it with a Marvin wire tailpiece and IMHO the situation seems to be even better.
Now i'm waiting for a Hungarian double bass, built in the seventies, fully carved, which will be added in my collection. I found it in Atelier Paganini, in Prague, two weeks ago. It's a lovely instrument, built with excellent flamed maple and it delivers a "booming" piz sound. I'll try the wingless bridge ant the wire tailpiece on it and i'll let you know the results.
After it my final target will be a Cleveland hybrid, which i plan to buy in my next visit to the States. I think it's an honour for me to have an Arnold's instrument in my collection. Even if this means that i have to sell some of my other instruments, for space availability.

[Arnold Schnitzer]

So, would you guys with "wingless" experience recommend trying this on a bass used primarily for soloing? A particular client of mine is looking for faster response and a more open, bright and ringing sound. I've done what I could and it made a difference, but possibly not enough. Interestingly, the biggest difference was made by replacing the 1/2" carbon fiber endpin with a solid steel one.

[Arnold Schnitzer]

Despite the lack of replies to my previous question, I decided to go ahead and amputate the wings on the bridge of this bass of mine. I spent a good deal of time bowing the bass before and after. My initial reaction, albeit from the user's position only, is that the bass gained some aggressiveness and clarity but gave up some sweetness. I'll post again after my client has had a chance to play it. It looks cool on this particular bass (Ergonomic IV).