In a nutshell.. Once bearing specifications have been laid out from the
original board, repairs are made to the damaged parts, and the bridge is then
recapped. Bearing gages are used to precisely set the correct level across the
new bridge cap. This is done along the length of the cap in sections, with the
use of a wide blade bearing saw, and later planed until all sections are blended
across the board so to speak. This is a two step process, one is to set up the
correct amount of bearing at the front of the cap, and another for the back .

The gages are positioned along the agraf strip, and bearing string is used to
simulate the piano wire in that section. The bridge cap is sawn in that area,
until the string just touches the cap, and the gage appropriate for that
section. The wire in theory, will put that amount of down bearing on that
section of bridge and board when strung.

These are Hand Crafted, Solid Aluminum, milled on each end from
.040 to .250, in increments of .010...
A total of
11 gages 1/8 to 1/4" thick. Angled up on each end, to fit
comfortably in the hand while sighting bearing string across the gage.


11 - Gage Set $185-
Handmade Pouch included...
Item #BG-11


Large Bearing Gages
Setting downbearing on a bridge and board,
is the most critical step in achieving power,
tonal quality, and volume of the instrument.