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RE: How do I restring my violin?

electric pony girl — Wed, 14 Sep 2005 14:04:49 GMT

hey. i've been playing the violin for 10 years out of my 15 and i still can't restring so i guess its time to learn. i've relied on conductors and music teachers for way too long! i have an old violin that needs a new A string so i bought the replacement but i cant get it on. i'd ask my teacher, but i only have 45 minutes with her a week, so stuff like learning how to tune properly and restring isn't really on the agenda.

Celloguys post was really helpful, and i understood all of it except the term peg hole. it's probably something really dumb and obvious, but an explanation would be appreciated. also, a correction for celloguy : you suggested using a piano for tonal reference. Tuning off a piano won't be accurate. i cannot recall why exactly but it has something to do with semitones, according to a conductor i once had. i would recommend a tuning fork for the A string if your pitch is fairly accurate, otherwise an electronic tuner is good.

also, does anyone know the correct way to clean a horse hair bow?

RE: How do I restring my violin?

celloguy — Fri, 08 Jul 2005 15:19:05 GMT

I think the main thing to remember when restringing the instrument is to do just one string at a time. In other words, don't remove ALL of the old strings from the instrument and then try to put on the new. Taking all of the tension off of the violin can cause numerous problems: The bridge will fall down (only the string tension holds it on), the tailpiece will flop onto the top of the instrument (can damage the top), and the soundpost inside the violin might fall down (only a skilled violin repairman can reset it properly). Change the E, then the A, etc.

Unless you have perfect pitch, you will need some kind of tonal reference to tune the strings as you go. A piano works well for this. As you change each string, tune up the new string to match the pitch of the appropriate piano note.

As you change the strings, lubricate the bridge and nut grooves with graphite by lightly rubbing the tip of a sharp pencil into the bridge and nut grooves. This will help keep the strings from binding (which can cause them to break).

Hook the ball end of the new string into the fine tuner on the tailpiece. While holding the instrument on your lap with the scroll end pointing to the ceiling and the strings facing you, slip the tip of the other end of the string into the peg hole. Gently rotate the peg away from you to wrap the string around the peg and take up the slack. Roll the string onto the peg neatly in such a way that it does not bind up against the inside wall of the pegbox. Before tightening it completely up to pitch, make sure that the ball-end is still seated properly into the fine tuner hooks, and that the string is feeding straight through the bridge and nut grooves. Use the peg to get it close to the right pitch, and finish by using the fine tuner in the tailpiece to adjust to the exact pitch. Repeat this process for the other strings.

When finished, check the bridge to make sure that it is seated in the proper position and angle on the instrument top. (The bridge often moves or changes angle during string changing.) The bridge feet should be aligned with the small notches in the center of the "f" holes (sound holes), centered between the "f" holes, and standing up straight (such that the "back" side of the bridge -- that is, the side facing the tailpiece -- is at a 90 degree angle to the instrument top).

I know this is probably clear as mud, but hopefully this information can get you started with string changing. If the task seems too overwhelming, I suggest checking with a local violin teacher who might be willing to assist in showing how it's done. A few additional resources for you would be your local music instrument store and your local school music teacher.

Best wishes on your musical endeavors!

RE: How do I restring my violin?

Amber — Fri, 20 May 2005 15:19:25 GMT

restringing a violin is easy...i've played mine going on 4 years now and i think with oput it i would have gone completely insane. I had to learn how t do it all on my own because i had my e string break while i was tuning. I had no one around me that knew and i was stuck doing a lot of trial and error things. It took me about 4 times to get it right but after that its gets easier. I've only broken that one sting the whole time ive played but i have to resting violins and violas a lot because my friends arent as careful as me and are too lazy to figure out how to do it themselves. just try it out a few times on your own to see itf you can do it.

How do I restring my violin?

drewpa13 — Tue, 25 Jan 2005 14:06:59 GMT

Hello. I recently purchased the Prelude strings and would like to know if there is a website that explains how to restring a violin and also has pictures. Thank you.