The Draco from Bridge is the perfect balance of contemporary and traditional design. The lightweight and longlasting hollow body is crafted from a quality kevlar and carbon fibre composite, providing an unrivalled strength to weight ratio. Thanks to the hollow body, the Draco produces an open and natural tone without the use of delay or reverb. This is especially useful for musicians who prefer to practise without the use of headphones or amps.
Although a Stradivari 1701 Viola da Gamba inspired the headstock, the design of the Draco 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. D'Addario Helicore strings are included with the Draco as they have a versatile and bright tone. Helicore cello strings are crafted with a multi-stranded steel core, resulting in optimal playability while producing a clear, warm sound.
The professionally shaped fingerboard and nut are crafted out of ebony and to match modern orchestral standards. Combined with a matching ebony endpin, and Wittner lightweight alloy tailpiece, the Draco electric cello is very comfortable to play.
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. The Draco only requires a 9V battery to power the Bridge Active Circuitry. Not only does this keep the weight of the cello 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 Draco ensures you're ready to go in any live situation.
To keep things simple, the Draco electric cello 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.
All electric Bridge instruments feature a volume and tone control which can be easily adjusted during a performance. To change the tonal range of the instrument, the Draco uses a tilt control instead of a boost/cut control.
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.
