Electric instruments are not included in our 30 days back trial/money-back guarantee, they are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
Standard Aquila tuned to GDAE the Aquila is an easy transition from an acoustic violin, with the benefits of low volume for practice, and high volume for performance with no feedback! The Octave is tuned GDAE an octave below the Aquila. The Aquila Octave allows the violinist to almost cover the cello register making it useful for building string sections, and accompanying treble voices and instruments, as well as purely solo.
Select any colour to browse the detailed pictures and descriptions of the materials, components, and fittings.
Available in six house colours and custom finishes.
The body is hollow, moulded from a Kevlar and carbon fibre composite with a high strength-to-weight ratio. The hollow body generates a sound profile within the body structure presenting an open sound without the use of reverb or delay. It is smooth and forgiving when played and allows low-volume practice without the use of headphones or amps. Highly stable across temperature and humidity ranges.
Headstock
Inspired by the Stradivari 1710 Viola da Gamba, and modified to the modern-sized peg box, this headstock has become the trademark of Bridge Instruments. The distinctive shield, through peg box and neck, is carved from a single maple block.
Pegs and Strings
The high-quality ebony pegs are professionally fitted to give a smooth tuning action. The Aquila Octave is fitted with Super Sensitive Octave or Thomastic Superflex Oktavgeige strings.
Fingerboard and nut
The ebony fingerboard and nut are professionally shaped to modern standard orchestral measurements, allowing for the heavier gauge octave strings, and are traditionally finished.
Bridge
The bridge houses the ‘Bridge’ pick-up system, a piezo crystal configuration. We designed the ‘Bridge’ pick up system specifically and only for use with our instruments. It is designed to pick up both the string vibration and the body resonance generated from the hollow composite body. Utilising all the properties of a traditional acoustic bridge it captures the warmth of tone synonymous with its acoustic counterpart, with no feedback.
Controls
All our electric range of instruments carry a volume and tone control, easily accessible for quick adjustment during performance. The tone control is a tilt control, not a boost/cut control, changing the tonal range of the instrument.
Battery Holder
The battery holder is located neatly on the underside of the instrument. It houses a 3V coin cell battery, which keeps the instruments light, is readily available, and is easy to fit. It provides approximately 1000 hours of playing time and only drains whilst the jack is connected. Quick and easy to replace. The battery powers the Bridge Active Circuitry.
Bridge Active Circuitry
Each model has its own sophisticated and bespoke active circuitry frequency dedicated to each string configuration and designed to perform in conjunction with the BRIDGE pick-up system.
It supplies power to drive effects and radio packs and puts the string player on equal footing with every other amplified instrument in the band.
Tailpiece and Chinrest
All our electric range of instruments is fitted with a lightweight alloy tailpiece, fitted with integral individual tuners.
Chinrest
This is a Dresden style chinrest. The style may vary with availability, but will always be of equal quality.
Endpin
Ebony endpin in keeping with the high-quality ebony fittings of the Aquila Octave
Case Included
Hard oblong case with a shaped interior, 4 Bow Holders, and plush red velvety lining.
Black Canvas Cover with Large Music Pocket.
Bow Included
Black Fibre Bow with ebony frog, nickel fittings, and winding.
If you find this item cheaper online, contact us.
Bridge Reviews
Jon Sevink – The Levellers
Custom Aquila
When Bridge Instruments approached me to try one of their new violins, I jumped at the chance. It was an opportunity to work with someone who understood what an electric violin could and should sound like.
Over a period of about nine months Bridge developed and I road tested a number of different pick-up and electronic systems to arrive at the one I use today. From the start I was impressed that we were working with a resonant hollowbody as opposed to the ‘planks’ that everyone else was using, this seemed to give a more responsive ‘acoustic’ sound making the instrument sound like a violin and not a synthesiser. We worked a lot on the frequency range and tone to give the ‘bite’ and ‘attack’ that I need to be heard above electric guitars and drums, yet retaining the mid-frequency power that can (with a few effects!) make one violin sound like a full string section. The end result is what I would call the first REAL electric violin on the market, professionally tested in recording and live performances.
Peter Knight
Steeleye Span, Gig Spanner, Feast of Fiddles
Review of The BRIDGE Octave Violin
For the last few months I have been playing an amazing new violin developed by BRIDGE. It is the same size as their AQUILA violin, but tuned an octave lower. The sound is more like a cello than a violin, and i will always remember the first time I put bow to string and heard what this wonderful instrument has to offer – what a sound!
Cristina Kiseleff
Classically trained and with many years of stage experience, the electric violinist Cristina Kiseleff has won numerous prizes in national and international competitions, recorded CDs with various international projects, toured and performed extensively throughout Europe, South Africa and Zambia.
Brian McNeill
Head of Traditional Music, Glasgow Academy
Feast of Fiddles
My two Bridge violins are what I’ve been waiting for all my
playing life. They are the first electric instruments I’ve ever had
which are capable of giving me a truly acoustic sound when amplified.
The Brian McNeill Signature model just soars, and my Octave model comes
across on stage like the most responsive cello in the world. I just
don’t think they could be bettered.
Didier Riey
“I have been playing a Bridge electric violin for a few years now and I must say it has a winning sound and a distinguished futuristic design.
The violin’s dynamic yet round tone, beautifully complements the energy of every live show.
I love my Bridge violin – great sound, great looks! ”
DELIVERY
We deliver to customers based in the UK and WORLDWIDE. After your order has been dispatched, you'll be notified via email with your shipping information and tracking number. We're happy to partner with reliable shipping companies like UPS and Parcelforce to guarantee the secure delivery of your purchase.
RETURNS AND EXCHANGES
If the product you received doesn't meet your expectations, you can return it within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. The returned item must be in its original packaging, and the cost of return shipping will be borne by you, unless the product is faulty. Please remember to include your contact information with the return and, if possible, a tracking number. The returns should be sent to the following address:
Bridgewood and Neitzert
146 Stoke Newington Church Street
London
N16 0JU
RETURNS
At times, returning items may be necessary, and we've streamlined the process for your convenience. We're happy to exchange or refund any items that are faulty or unsuitable for your needs. To qualify for a refund or exchange, items must be in perfect condition and returned to us within 14 days of receipt. Additionally, they must be returned in their original sealed packaging with any labels or seals still attached and intact. Your statutory rights remain unaffected, and our Refund Policy provides additional information.
HOW TO RETURN
UK RETURNS
Here are the steps on how to return an item:
Once your return has been received, we will process it within 14 days. You will then be refunded the full amount of your purchase, minus the cost of the return shipping if applicable.
UK RETURNS
If you need to make an exchange for your order in the UK, no worries! We've got you covered. We'll take care of the postage for the first replacement item, so you don't have to pay twice. To ensure a smooth process, kindly print and fill out our Returns Form and send it back with your return.
INTERNATIONAL RETURNS
For international returns, including those from the European Union and other parts of the world, it is important to use a duty-paid service when shipping back items. Any returns sent via a duty unpaid option will not be accepted. It is recommended to pack the items securely, removing the delivery label but using the original packaging if possible. Please note that we do not cover the costs for returns, so it is your responsibility to use a suitable international tracked service.
STANDARD RETURNS
To return your item(s), securely wrap them in a jiffy bag or box without damaging the product packaging. Then, send the package to the following address:
Bridgewood and Neitzert
146 Stoke Newington Church Street
London
N16 0JU
Include your returns form or invoice and indicate whether you'd like an exchange or refund so we can process your return efficiently. Please note that you'll be responsible for paying the postage costs, and we recommend obtaining sufficient postal insurance to protect your item if it gets lost during transit.
If you have any questions about returning your item(s), please send an email to enquiries@bridgewoodandneitzert.london
REFUNDS
We will process your refund through the payment method you originally used. Our team strives to complete all refunds within 24 hours, but kindly allow 10 working days during peak periods for the refund to appear in your account. You will receive an email from us once the refund has been processed.
If there is a fault with the item, we may refund reasonable postage costs. Please email us at enquiries@bridgewoodandneitzert.london for assistance.
Please note that our Refund Policy applies, which includes receiving and inspecting the goods before issuing any refunds. Additionally, proof of postage will be required.
Our company's policy regarding refunds is subject to certain terms and conditions. Refunds will only be issued after we have received and inspected the returned goods. We require proof of postage for our records. For further details, please refer to our Refund Policy below.
REFUND POLICY
Our return policy allows you to request a return within 14 days of receiving your item.
To qualify for a return, the item must be unused, in its original packaging with tags intact, and accompanied by the receipt or proof of purchase.
If you want to initiate a return, please contact us at enquiries@bridgewoodandneitzert.london
You will receive a return shipping label and instructions on how and where to send the package if your return is accepted. Items returned without prior approval may not be accepted.
If you have any questions regarding the return process, please don't hesitate to contact us at enquiries@bridgewoodandneitzert.london
Damages and issues
When you receive your order, it is important to check for any damages or issues. In case you receive a defective or damaged item, or even the wrong product, please get in touch with us without delay. This will help us investigate the matter and take corrective action to make things right.
Exceptions / non-returnable items
We regret to inform you that there are some items that we cannot accept returns for. These include perishable goods, custom-made products, and personal items. If you have any doubts or queries regarding your specific purchase, do not hesitate to contact us.
Additionally, kindly note that we do not entertain returns for sale items or gift cards.
Exchanges
The most efficient method to obtain the desired item is by returning the current item and purchasing the new one separately once the return has been approved.
Refunds
Once we receive and examine your returned item, we will inform you about the approval or rejection of your refund request. If approved, the refund will be issued to your original payment method, but the shipping cost will be deducted. Please note that the refund processing time may vary depending on your bank or credit card company.
