Official Luthiers Forum!

I assume that the shape of the bridge can have an effect on tone. I don't really like the shape of Breedlove's bridges, but I have seen some I really like. So...

What is the effect of width?
What is the effect of length?
What is the effect if larger on the bass side?
What is the effect if larger on the treble side?

Is there an optimum weight?

...or any comments you'd like to make...
Thanks,
Steve

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Steve Sollod (pronounced sorta like "Solid")
www.swiftcreekguitars.com

Steve, I don't really have an answer for you, but I can say bridge weight makes a difference, the optimal would depend on what effect you want, I get more sustain out of a heavy bridge and a quicker response off of a lighter bridge.
On a less specific sense you seem to be refering to impedance matching the bridge/top to the strings. Those who buy into impedance matched bridges will believe that all of the parameters you've listed have an effect, I think they will, but I also think you need to use extreme limits to make noticable effects with the exception being the weight of the bridge IMO, and even then maybe it's only the weight that's effecting the outcome.
Bridges like you describe have been around probably 40 years or so and have never really gained any acceptance, Gibson even built a few models with asymetrical bridge design the 70's, the Mark series. You might want to do some research on the guitars of Michael Kasha / Richard Schneider.

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

Tacoma guitars claim their bridge shape improves tone. Not sure how they came up with it.

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"Preoccupation with an effect gives it power and enhances the error"
from "Your Owner's Manual" by Burt Hotchkiss.

Godin claim their satin finish to improve tone.

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Francis Richer, Montréal
Les Guitares F&M Guitars

My bridge is asymmetric. I originally designed it because I like the look. My headstock is also asymmetric. I like the way my guitars are sounding and the way my bridge looks. Works for me.

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ELEVATE || Next Level Lutherie
http://elevatelutherie.com
&
http://ensorguitars.com

I try not to isolate attibutes of this, that & 'tother thing and all that other "left" brain thinking. Rather, I try to think of the individual parts as a whole guitar. I'd say the HHG glue joint is the most important "part" of the bridge. If you have to pick at things, like scabs, they just bleed.

One of the functions of a bridge is as a brace, in addition to holding the strings and transferring their energy to the top . The size, shape, footprint, weight, stiffness and "Q" of the wood will have some effect on the tone of the guitar. You might ask how the asymmetry of the bridge design affects these parameters.