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In some previous articles I've posted on the FM threads I showed how to make a backup bridge. Check it out here.
https://fiddlerman.com/forum/t.....ridge-pdf/
Some have asked how I can keep the bridge blank so vertical and perfect while sanding the curve into the feet. Well, they make a device like this one. I made it from some scrap aluminum I had around. It only holds the bridge in whatever position you initially set it to, and as the foot of the bridge is sanded down the angle changes slightly. You need to keep moving it down a little until you have achieved the proper angle to the top of the violin body and also the curvature is correct. Placing a wax paper coated sanding disk on the violin body carefully and just slide the bridge back and forth. The plastic roller won't hurt anything.
When you get it all 'dialed in', you can then go on to the height adjustment, and then to thinning it out and adding the notch ticks etc.
Hope this gives you an idea of what it takes to get one to fit perfect so they stand up by themselves showing a perfect match between curve and foot.
"If you practice with your hands you must practice all day. Practice with your mind and you can accomplish the same amount in minutes." Nathan Milstein
WoW!!! That's a cool one!!! I always have problems when sanding the bridge's feet. Thanks for the idea!
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You're welcome Naska, I used to do the bottoms of the feet without a guide, just very carefully pull it towards me trying to maintain a perfectly vertical position and it works great. Just be extra careful with the sandpaper around the violin, it will scratch it in a heartbeat. 
The paper in the picture is what a body repair shop for car painting uses on their sanding machine. It has a wax paper covering on the other side that is removed to expose a glue that helps it to stick in place while they use it. I just leave the paper on it and that protects the violin quite well while I slide the bridge and at the same time hold it down with the edges of my hands. Just using my fingers to slide it a tiny bit and thus sand it off exactly the same as the curve in the violin. Doesn't take long at all.
"If you practice with your hands you must practice all day. Practice with your mind and you can accomplish the same amount in minutes." Nathan Milstein
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