PRODUCT INFORMATION
Front and Back: Constructed in the traditional method, the Tasman uses a quality spruce front and flamed maple back, hand carved to our specifications. The single black purfling line is a characteristic of the 'Bridge’ 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 Stradivari 1701 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 standard is fitted with Thomastik Dominant strings with D’Addario C.
Fingerboard and Nut: Made from the best quality ebony, the fingerboard and nut are professionally shaped to modern orchestral measurements and traditionally finished.
Chinrest: This is an ebony Guarneri style chinrest. The style may vary with availability but will always be of equal quality.
Tailpiece: The Tasman range of instruments is fitted with a lightweight alloy tailpiece, with individual integral fine tuners.
Endpin: Black ebony endpin, in keeping with the pegs and tailpiece.
F Hole: The F hole design reflects the lightning strike theme of the headstock giving the Tasmans a contemporary twist and unique character.
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 generated from the hollow body. Utilising all the properties of a traditional acoustic bridge it captures the warmth of tone synonymous with its acoustic counterpart.
Battery Holder: The battery holder is located neatly on the lower bottom rib and houses 3V coin cell battery. This small battery powers the Bridge Active Circuitry which has been cleverly designed to keep the instruments light and well balanced. It provides approximately 2000 hours playing time and only drain whilst the jack is connected. Readily available the battery is quick and easy to replace.
Active Circuitry: Each model has its own sophisticated active circuitry, frequency dedicated to each model 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.The bespoke Tasman Octave circuitry is designed to support the frequency register of the octave strings.
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.
Controls: All our electric range of instruments carry a volume and tone control, easily accessible for quick adjustment during performance. The tone control is a tilt control, not a boost/cut control, changing the tonal range of the instrument.
TECHNICAL DATA
Construction
Body Length 394mm 15.5’’
Neck Stop 146mm
Body Stop 219mm
Set Up
Nut width 25.0mm
String spacing at nut 17.5mm
String spacing at bridge 34.0mm
String tunings CGDA
Electronics
BRIDGE pick up Piezo Configuration
Active surface mount pre amp
Instrument Output 200mV nominal
Load Resistance 10K Ohms minimum
Battery 2 x Lithium 3V CR1632
Battery life playing time approx 100hrs
Output via ¼’’ jack socket
Designed and finished by the Bridge Luthiers in the UK
Made at the Bridge Workshops UK and Eastman Strings, Beijing