Pianotech

I should probably know this but... Why are the bridges in pianos so big and square. Most other stringed instruments I can think of have very narrow bridges with only a single string contact point while a piano has a very thick and wide contact point, close to an inch. I'm guessing it's because of the extremely high string tension and resulting hard downbearing on the soundboard that makes this a necessity, but are there other reasons? Like, is this a compromise, as are so many things in a piano, between what is desired and what is required? 

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Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
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Geoff, acoustic musical instrument design is one long series of compromises. What differs from maker to maker is how they prioritize them. But yes, I can't think of any other musical instrument that has either individual or total string tension anywhere near the modern piano. Since most builds have pretty similar bridge dimensions, I imagine those are the smallest, most optimal dimensions. Hidden in all the different choices made about the component parts is consideration for a harmonious combination of mass. The bridge must have sufficient mass to drive the board. 

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Steven Rosenthal RPT
Honolulu HI
(808) 521-7129
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-08-2025 21:16
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Bridge design question

I should probably know this but... Why are the bridges in pianos so big and square. Most other stringed instruments I can think of have very narrow bridges with only a single string contact point while a piano has a very thick and wide contact point, close to an inch. I'm guessing it's because of the extremely high string tension and resulting hard downbearing on the soundboard that makes this a necessity, but are there other reasons? Like, is this a compromise, as are so many things in a piano, between what is desired and what is required? 

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Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
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From the experiments i witnessed regarding bridge dimensions. When its too small the sound is boisterous, powerful and too open,and not really that pleasant. After that, i kind of think of the bridge as a damper of sorts. When i have a piano that has a wild note and hammer voicing has been eliminated, i look at the bridge next for that reason.

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Chernobieff Piano Restorations

Inventor of Inertia Touch Wave (ITW)
Advanced Resonant Compression Engineered Soundboards (ARCHES)

865-986-7720 (text only please)
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-08-2025 21:16
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: Bridge design question

I should probably know this but... Why are the bridges in pianos so big and square. Most other stringed instruments I can think of have very narrow bridges with only a single string contact point while a piano has a very thick and wide contact point, close to an inch. I'm guessing it's because of the extremely high string tension and resulting hard downbearing on the soundboard that makes this a necessity, but are there other reasons? Like, is this a compromise, as are so many things in a piano, between what is desired and what is required? 

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Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
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