Aubert Bridges

About Aubert

Aubert is a French bridge maker based in Mirecourt, the historic centre of French violin making. Aubert bridges are cut from seasoned maple and supplied as blanks in graded qualities, from student-grade through to bridges selected for fine instruments. They are one of the most widely used bridge blanks in workshops worldwide.

Aubert at Shar

Our Aubert selection covers violin, viola, cello and bass bridge blanks in a range of grades and foot spacings, including untreated blanks for luthiers who prefer to do their own fitting.

A bridge blank is not a finished part. It has to be fitted to the individual instrument — feet shaped to the belly, height and curve cut to the fingerboard, thickness graduated for the sound. Shar has run its own workshop since 1962 and our luthiers fit bridges as a service if you would rather not do it yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fit an Aubert bridge myself?

Only if you have the tools and experience. Bridge blanks arrive with oversized feet and an uncut curve; fitting involves shaping the feet to the exact contour of the belly, cutting the string curve and graduating the thickness. Done wrong, it affects both sound and the safety of the instrument. Most players have it done by a luthier.

What foot spacing do I need?

Foot spacing is determined by the instrument, and standard spacings differ between violin, viola, cello and bass — and between full and fractional sizes. If you are ordering for a specific instrument and are unsure, measure the existing bridge or contact us.

What is the difference between bridge grades?

Grades reflect the quality and figure of the maple and how it was seasoned. Higher grades are generally denser and more consistent, which matters more on instruments where the bridge is being used to shape tone. Student instruments are usually fine with a lower grade.