Tuned to CGDA the Tasman Cello is an easy transition from a regular acoustic cello, with the benefits of high volume for performance with no feedback!
The Body
Constructed in the traditional method, the Tasman uses a high quality spruce front, and flamed maple back, hand carved to our specifications. The single black purfling line is a characteristic of Bridge’s instruments and can be found on all the acoustic and electro-acoustic models. The Tasmans are finished with a lightly antiqued rich venetian style spirit varnish.
Headstock
Inspired by the Stadivari 1710 Viola da Gamba, and modified to the modern sized peg box, this headstock has become a trademark of the Bridge Instruments. The distinctive shield, through peg box and neck is carved from a single maple block. The Tasman and Golden Tasman instruments have the electric lightning strike inlay on the shield suggesting it’s not purely the acoustic instrument it appears to be!
Pegs and Strings
The high quality ebony pegs are professionally fitted to give a smooth tuning action. The Tasman is fitted with D’Addario Helicore strings.
Fingerboard and Nut
Made from the best quality ebony, the fingerboard and nut is professionally shaped to modern standard orchestral measurements, and traditionally finished.
Bridge
The Tasman bridge is made from the best quality tonewood, and houses the ‘Bridge’ pick up system, a piezo crystal configuration. We designed the ‘Bridge’ pick up system specifically and only for use with our instruments. It is designed to pick up both the string vibration and the body resonance. Utilising all the properties of a traditional acoustic bridge it captures the warmth of tone both plugged and unplugged.
F Hole
The F hole design reflects the lightning strike theme of the headstock, giving the Tasman a contemporary twist and unique character.
Tailpiece
The Tasman range of instruments is fitted with a lightweight alloy tailpiece, fitted with integral fine tuners for every string.
Battery Holder
The battery holder is located neatly on the upper rib and houses a 9V battery which is readily available and easy to fit. It provides approximately 3000 hours playing time, and only drains whilst the jack is connected. Quick and easy to replace.
Bridge Active Circuitry
Each model has its own sophisticated and bespoke active circuitry, frequency dedicated to its string configuration and designed to perform in conjunction with the BRIDGE pick-up system. It supplies power to drive effects and radio packs and puts the string player on equal footing with every other amplified instrument in the band.
Endpin
Ebony endpin with brass ferrule and screw. The spike is protected with a removable rubber cap.
Jack Socket
¼ inch jack – musical instrument standard. The switch jack system automatically switches the active circuitry on and off as the jack is inserted or removed. It is carved into the back plate, becoming an integral part of the instrument, positioned and angled to avoid drag and interference from the cable. We have also ensured that the angle and proportions are compatible with all common wireless solutions. veryone else was using, this seemed to give a more responsive 'acoustic' sound making the instrument sound like a violin and not a synthesiser. We worked a lot on the frequency range and tone to give the 'bite' and 'attack' that I need to be heard above electric guitars and drums, yet retaining the mid-frequency power that can (with a few effects!) make one violin sound like a full string section. The end result is what I would call the first REAL electric violin on the market, professionally tested in recording and live performances.
Case Included
