Finger bridge

[ironmike]

Anyone out the ever reverse the finger bridge pieces so that rhe low  e string is short and the high is in longer,everything in the opposite direction, I know it will increase the tension on the high end and lower the tension  towd th low e. But waht dynamic results has anyone found.

[TalismanRich]

I don't think it will make a significant difference in the tension or in "dynamics", but it will play havoc with the intonation.   The reason the bridge points end up where they are is because that is the point where the 12th fret harmonic is equal to the fretted note.

[RJLII]

I think he was referring to the tailpiece fingers where the strings anchor. 

[TalismanRich]

That makes more sense.   In my defense,  I've seen some people try some WEIRD things.

I still don't know that it will make a big difference in tension.   For  a given string diameter, and scale length, the tension should be the same to reach pitch.   I would think it might give a little easier bending since the elongation is spread over a slightly longer total string length but I don't know that it would be a significant percentage.

[bolero]

I recall reading *somewhere* about why & how they designed the finger tailpieces the way they do

I cannot remember where it was. But it must be out there on the internet somewhere.

Or god forbid, just ask AI ?

[ironmike]

I know for sure that the longer the string is from tuning peg to the anchor point,the higher the tension required to bring to pitch, so the lower string would be looser and the tension would get progrrssivle higher towards the high e string. This I know, but does anyone have it set up that way? The gibson citation is rigged that way. Just looking to hear from experience. Anyone?

[nuke]

I think only the length of the scale determines tension for any particular gauge/weight of string. So the distance between the nut and saddle a determinant, but the distance from saddle to stop bar is not part of the equation. 

There are a certain amount of harmonics present on the string outside of the scale length, and this can have an effect on sound. The string between tuner and nut, and between the saddle and tail piece are audible if plucked, and a certain amount of sympathetic vibration happens when the intentional note excites the string beyond the nut and saddles. 

I've occasionally stuffed the head stock of basses and a guitar or two to stop the weird ringing overtones that come that. It seems more apparent to me on bass, FWIW. 

I'd tend to think that the finger tailpiece was probably designed for appearance primarily. It sure looks nicer than a trapeze tail.