The bridge transduces string vibration via tuned rocking and squatting resonances

Evidence

The bridge does the critical work of transducing the vibration of the strings to the body of the violin. It is elaborately cut so that it resonates at certain rocking and “squatting” frequencies (figure 18.7). The Helmholtz wave exerts a periodic sawtooth force on the bridge perpendicular to the direction of the strings, driving the rocking motion. — Eric J. Heller, Why You Hear What You Hear- An…, 1766

Categorization

• DEFINE: Names the bridge’s rocking and squatting resonant modes and their function as the string-to-body energy transducer.