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Key Features
Transitioning from an acoustic viola has never been more natural with the Tasman viola. Bridge has manufactured the Tasman to be similar to a regular acoustic viola with the added benefits of an electric viola.
Constructed using traditional methods, the Tasman viola is hand carved using high-quality spruce a maple. With light flaming on the back, and finished with an antiqued varnish, the Tasman is perfect for musicians who prefer the look of a traditional instrument.
Never again will you be worried about feedback with the unique Bridge pickup. The Bridge pickup captures all the tone synonymous with acoustic violas without any feedback - essential for gigging viola players.
The Tasman viola includes high-quality ebony fittings plus an Ebony Guarneri style chinrest, Wittner lightweight alloy tailpiece, Thomastik Dominant strings, and an oblong case so you can start practising straight away.
Product Ref: 121421
The Tasman from Bridge boasts a traditional design with the benefits of modern technology. Using a high-quality spruce front and a flamed maple back, the Tasman viola boasts a traditional viola design. These tonewoods produce a beautiful warm sound with a focused tone, perfect for orchestral playing. The distinctive single black purfling is a characteristic of Bridge instruments and is found on all acoustic and electro-acoustic models. Once the Tasman viola has been completed, it is finished with a lightly antiqued venetian style spirit varnish.
Although a Stradivari 1701 Viola da Gamba inspired the headstock, the design of the Tasman has contemporary influences. Carved from a single block of maple, the neck and pegbox combined with the distinctive shield have become the trademark of Bridge instruments. An electric lightning strike inlay on the shield suggests it's not purely the acoustic instrument it appears to be.
Thomastik Dominant strings are included with the Tasman as they have a versatile and clear tone. These synthetic strings are resistant to change from humidity which is essential for touring musicians. The high-quality ebony pegs are professionally fitted to give a smooth tuning action.
The professionally shaped fingerboard and nut are crafted out of high-quality ebony to match modern orchestral measurements. Combined with a matching ebony endpin, ebony Guarneri style chinrest, and Wittner lightweight alloy tailpiece, the Tasman electric viola is very comfortable to play. The F holes have been designed to reflect the lightning strike theme of the headstock with a contemporary twist.
Bridge has produced a uniquely designed bridge with a piezo crystal pickup configuration. Used exclusively in Bridge instruments, the bridge utilises all the properties of a traditional acoustic bridge without any feedback. For your convenience, the battery holder is neatly hidden on the underside of the instrument. Similar to other Bridge instruments the Tasman only requires a 3V coin cell battery to power the Bridge Active Circuitry. Not only does this keep the weight of the viola down, but it also provides approximately 3000 hours of playing, and only drains while the jack is connected.
Every Bridge instrument includes its own sophisticated bespoke active circuitry. This circuitry has been fine-tuned to each model's string configuration and designed to work flawlessly with the Bridge pickup system. By supplying power to drive radio packs and drive effects, the Tasman ensures you're ready to go in any live situation.To keep things simple, the Tasman electric viola uses an industry standard 1/4 inch jack. Thanks to the active circuitry, the jack system can automatically switch on and off as the jack is inserted or removed to save power. Careful attention has been given to the position and angle of the jack to avoid drag and interference from the cable. Bridge has also ensured that the proportions are compatible with common wireless solutions.
The Tasman viola comes supplied with a black oblong canvas cover case for easy transportation. The exterior of the case features a large music pocket to store all of your music and large accessories. The specially shaped interior will perfectly fit the Tasman viola, plus any small accessories.
Please note the Tasman viola does not include a bow. Please see our viola bow page to see our full range.Founded in 1995, Bridge is a market leading brand of electroacoustic bowed instruments. After witnessing the damage inflicted on acoustic instruments from badly fitted pickups, they decided to design a range of purpose made electric instruments. For years Bridge has gone to concerts and festivals to listen to players and their needs. This way they can make the best possible instruments within an affordable price range.