Q: What materials are used for the main bridge?

A: Traditionally the best bridges are made from horn (deer antler). Bone is a cheaper option, but bone bridges are harder and don't give as sweet a tone. Nowadays horn has become increasingly hard to get. In fact, the government of West Bengal has made it all but impossible for the craftsmen in Calcutta to use horn at all. So, by necessity they have been developing synthetic bridges. Plastic is common and there have been experiments with a softer, more plaster-like material. You will occasionally see some black bridges which are usually ebony. In our experience ebony bridges are very inconsistent. At their best they give a soft sound, not as bright as the horn bridges.