Tuned to GDAE the Tasman is an easy transition from a regular acoustic violin, 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.
Pegs and Strings
The high quality ebony pegs are professionally fitted to give a smooth tuning action. The Golden Tasman is fitted with Pirastro Eva Pirazzi strings. The ebony fingerboard and nut are professionally shaped to modern standard orchestral measurements, and traditionally finished. All repairs which become necessary with time to acoustic orchestral stringed instruments, can be performed by luthiers on Bridge instruments.
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 lightening strike inlay on the shield suggesting it’s not purely the acoustic instrument it appears to be!
Bridge
The bridge 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 generated from the hollow composite body. Utilising all the properties of a traditional acoustic bridge it captures the warmth of tone synonymous with its acoustic counterpart.
'F' Holes
The F hole design reflects the lightning strike theme of the headstock, giving the Tasman a contemporary twist and unique character.
Tailpiece and Chinrest
The Tasman range of instruments is fitted with a lightweight alloy tailpiece, fitted with integral fine tuners for every string.
This is an ebony Guarneri style chinrest. The style may vary with availability, but will always be of equal quality.
Battery Holder and Endpin
The battery holder is located neatly on the lower bottom rib and houses a 3V coin cell battery. The battery powers the Bridge Active Circuitry which has been cleverly designed to operate from a 3V battery, keeping the instruments light and well balanced. It provides approximately 500 hours playing time, and only drains whilst the jack is connected. Readily available, it is quick and easy to replace. Ebony endpin, in keeping with the ebony pegs and ebony tailpiece.
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.