HD Bridge taper questions answered

I began building HDs professionally in 1980.
The reason most bridges are tapered is to
  1. lift the longest strings an appropriate distance to keep the bass and
trebles not only separated, but also to keep their crossing points at
approximately a halfway point between bridges up and down the instrument;
  2. to keep the tension pushing down on the bridge from the longest strings
at approximately the same amount as the shorter ones, thus livening the
soundboard there and keeping away from the lower end "muddy sound" that is
so common on lesser instruments.

hope this helps

-- 
Pádraig Michael Mann
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.thecontinentalcollection.com
"The Continental Collection"  (Briar Bridge Hammered Dulcimers)
Music, Concerts, Instruments, Gifts, Collectibles