Position of the Bridge
The bridge must stand on the middle of the upper table so that both feet are in line with the nicks of the f holes. Through the forward pull of the strings,—increased during playing,—the bridge has a tendency to bend forward. To avoid this one must frequently watch, and pull it backward, yet keeping the feet in the same place. The bridge may be fixed sloping somewhat backward rather than forward.[4]
Amount of pressure upon
the upper table.
Through the combined influence of the strain and pressure of the strings upon the upper table, it supports a weight of about 100 lbs. Against this burden, this, in other respects, fragile instrument, opposes a wonderful power of resistance, an example of its ingenious yet simple construction.