Bridge

The assembly that anchors the strings at the body end of the scale, sets their spacing and intonation, and couples them to the instrument.

Every bridge does the same three jobs: hold the strings at a fixed speaking length, transfer their vibration into the body, and let the player correct intonation per string. Fixed designs are simple and stable; tremolo designs add a moving block and springs; acoustics use a glued bridge with a separate saddle, so the whole assembly is part of how the top is driven. Mass and material here are audible, since the bridge is the string's route into the instrument.

Example: fitting a heavier, block-style bridge usually adds sustain and a firmer low end to a bolt-on guitar without touching anything else.

Bridge

See also