Ebony bridge caps

[Ron Nossaman]

> I doubt it very much, as I have suggested.  This business of "expansion" 
> seems to be a be a peculiarly American phenomenon, if I understand it at 
> all.  The sort of movements due to humidity variation that have been 
> mentioned in various posts this year would be very rare in Europe.  
> Besides, I regard the whole idea as suspect.

Yes, I expect you would be doubtful, since physics there seems 
to be different from physics here, and in Australia.


> When they began to use boxwood etc. in the treble I don't know, but it 
> was common by 1880 and continues to this day.  The easiest way to find 
> out is to ask a maker who still does it.  

Only if the actual people who adopted the practice prior to 
1880 are available for comment, maybe.


>To my mind it has a tonal 
> significance and none other.


Quite likely.
Ron N