Digital Downbearing Gauge

This digital inclinometer-style gauge provides a quick downbearing angle measurement. It features a one-touch zero calibration to compensate for bridge cap tilt, and a hold button to lock the reading. The gauge has a protective slip-on cover made of flexible TPU material, which protects the screen, prevents damage to the measurement posts, and keeps the power button from being turned on accidentally when not in use.

• Batteries are NOT included - requires (2) AAA batteries. Battery cover on the back side of the gauge is secured with a small Phillips head screw.
• LCD display color may differ from photo.

Instructions for using the Supply88 Digital Downbearing Gauge:



1. Zero Calibration (if needed):

Rotate the gauge so it is upside-down, and gently place the protrusion on the wire to be measured, between the bridge pins. Since this is such a short wire segment, a light touch and a steady hand will be needed to make sure the gauge is flat to the wire and not rocking one way or the other. If the displayed angle is close to zero, this means the bridge cap is basically level with the horizon, and compensation is not needed.

But if the reading is far enough from zero that it will impact your measurement significantly, carefully press the Zero (0) button while holding the device steady. It is best to use one hand to hold the gauge steady while using the other hand to gently press the button. The display should now read much closer to zero when the gauge is resting on the wire between the bridge pins. The subsequent downbearing measurement, when the gauge is flipped right side up, will now compensate for the tilt in the bridge cap, such that the angle being measured is the difference in angle to the wire segment over the bridge cap, instead of to the horizon. The process is exactly the same for vertical pianos, except that 90 degrees (plus or minus the offset) will be subtracted from the display when the Zero button is pressed.

2. Measure the Downbearing:

With the gauge right side up, gently rest the posts of the gauge on the wire. It does not matter if you use two of the three posts (top of photo), or all three posts (bottom of photo), but using all three provides a more stable measurement. For copper-wound bass strings, you should be able to use two posts to measure the non-wound section of string near the bridge, but measuring the wound portion of the wire may yield a more stable measurement.

3. Using the Hold button:
If you wish to freeze the display (for writing it down, etc.), press the Hold button while the gauge is still in the measurement position.