4 Things you can and should fix yourself
- Changing strings. Replacing strings is something every violinist should be able to do themselves. ...
- Straightening the bridge. When you replace strings, it’s a good opportunity to check the straightness of the bridge. ...
- Unsticking pegs. There’s less likelihood of pegs sticking if they have been fitted correctly in the first place. A little peg compound will help.
- Changing the chinrest. Chin rests are more often changed for reasons of comfort than breakage. ...
How much does it cost to repair a violin?
How much does it cost to refurbish an old violin? This repair typically requires that a new piece be cut with precision so that it fits perfectly on the violin. This new piece is often included in the cost of the repair, which is $50-70 for student and intermediate-grade instruments, and $70-$100+ for professional violins.
How to revarnish an old violin?
- Re-gluing seams
- Peg replacement
- Small cracks (very tight and less than 2-3 inches long)
- Normal refitting tasks (Soundpost and bridge adjustments, re-string, etc.)
How should I clean my violin?
- Manufacturer
- Combined Custom Sets
- Pirastro Violin Strings
- Thomastik-Infeld Violin Strings
- D’Addario Violin Strings
- Corelli Strings
- Prim
- Warchal
- Westminster E’s
- Baroque Violin Strings
How to properly care for your violin?
- Store your violin safely. Always keep your violin in its case when you are not playing it. ...
- Avoid extreme temperatures. Violins are very fragile instruments and they should not be left in very hot or very cold temperatures. ...
- Clean your violin properly. After each use, wipe down your violin and its strings with a soft cloth. ...
- Store your bow properly. Don’t neglect your violin bow! Always loosen the strings of the bow before you put it away. ...
- Use quality strings. Even if you have an inexpensive student violin, use quality strings. Cheaper strings can cause tension on the violin. ...
- Don’t ignore problems, even if they seem minor. Little problems can become big problems rather quickly. ...
Can I repair my own violin?
Even for minor repairs, take your violin to a professional luthier. There may be certain tasks you can do on your own, but it's simply not worth the risk. However, there is a strong tradition among serious musicians that calls for caring for your instrument yourself.
How much does it cost to restore an old violin?
Depending on the severity of the damage your fingerboard may need to be re-glued ($30-$50), resurfaced ($60-$75) or replaced completely ($100-$150). In most cases it's a simple fix- the old glue is removed or scraped off and the fingerboard is reset in place.
Is my violin worth repairing?
Perfling—although not always a true indictor, perfling offers an excellent clue about a violin's worth. If you can see that the decorative inlay around the edge of the violin is actually wood, not painted, then that is a sign that the violin is worth repairing.
What glue is used to repair violins?
Hide glueHide glue is the standard glue that is used by violin makers, and is prized for its organic nature and ability to be dissolved to remove a plate or other part of a violin and perform necessary repairs.
What does it cost to restring a violin?
Violin & ViolaRestring, including tuning$7.5 per string (strings not included)Compound pegs$40Fit pegs$25 each/$80 setReplace tailgut$40Replace saddle$758 more rows
Can you fix a cracked violin?
2:153:25How to Fix a Violin Belly Crack : Violin Maintenance - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd the way we do that is we have these little pieces of wood. These little spruce patches this isMoreAnd the way we do that is we have these little pieces of wood. These little spruce patches this is made out of the same wood. That the violin top is made out of and those get glued down right on top
How do you restore an old violin?
Steaming and using a counter form can be used to restore warped wood to its original shape. Abrasions, chips and worn out peg holes can be replaced locally with minimal effects to the overall structure and will often appear seamless and invisible after retouching when left to a master craftsman.
Can you play a violin with a crack?
If the crack reaches the soundpost, the instrument's value will be a small fraction of its normal retail. If you're just looking for a violin that sounds good, there's a bit of risk. If the repair work is done well, it won't harm the sound, but you can't really know its potential until it's whole again.
Are old violins valuable?
It could still have substantial value, as a professional with expertise in antique violins could reattach that part with little difficulty. Yet, you should keep in mind that these violins can range anywhere in the lower thousands to the hundreds of thousands of dollars range, and in some cases, the millions.
Can violin be glued?
“High-quality glue is critical for the long-term health of a violin.” Hide glue is the standard for violin-family instruments, says luthier Christopher Germain, director of the Violin Makers Workshop at Oberlin College.
Can you use wood glue on a violin?
0:353:28Repairing Finger Board on Violin with Titebond® Liquid Hide GlueYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's very traditional to use hide glue on instruments.MoreIt's very traditional to use hide glue on instruments.
What is violin glue made of?
The adhesive used in most aspects of violin making is hide glue. It is made from the connective tissue (skin bones, tendons,etc) of animals. Hide glue has been in use for many thousands of years, although it is not as commonly used today.
How do you restore an old violin?
Steaming and using a counter form can be used to restore warped wood to its original shape. Abrasions, chips and worn out peg holes can be replaced locally with minimal effects to the overall structure and will often appear seamless and invisible after retouching when left to a master craftsman.
How much does it cost to Rehair a violin bow?
around $50While many prolific string musicians learn to rehair their bow independently, most musicians take their bow to a professional. The cost of rehairing a violin bow is typically around $50 or less, a bit more for cello and bass bows.
How much does it cost to repair a violin sound post?
Soundpost adjustment: $10-35. New soundpost: $50 violin/viola, $75 cello. Violin/viola bridge: $60-125 (bridge with pickup: $150)
Can you play a violin with a crack?
If the crack reaches the soundpost, the instrument's value will be a small fraction of its normal retail. If you're just looking for a violin that sounds good, there's a bit of risk. If the repair work is done well, it won't harm the sound, but you can't really know its potential until it's whole again.
How to secure violin seams?
Using a C-clamp with a protective piece of wood or a violin clamp, squeeze the seam back together and secure it. Wipe off any excess glue with a damp cloth first, then a dry paper towel.
What to use to fix a broken seam?
If you have the broken piece, you can use the same gluing technique listed for open seams, but you might need to get a little creative with a clamp solution. Depending on the size of the piece and its location, you can use a heavy duty rubber band or a jeweler’s clamp to hold the piece securely while the glue cures.
How to remove glue from a seam?
Remove the old glue, dirt, and residue without opening the seam further. You can use a small putty knife or similar tool. And , alternately moisten the glue with water and a small paintbrush between scrapings until it is completely removed.
How to fix a peg that is too tight?
Using a clamp or some other method (not holding it with you hand) to stabilize the peg, drill a new hole for threading your string with a 1/16 wood bit. Go Slowly! Too fast and you can crack the peg.
Can you repair a violin yourself?
And although many structural problems like cracks to the body, or Soundpost adjustments should be performed by a qualified luthier, there are many minor repairs that you can do yourself. All it takes is a little basic woodworking skill, a familiarity with your violin, and an extreme amount of patience.
Can you repair a bridge nut?
Both the bridge and the nut can be a DIY project, but unless you’re prepared to perform a soundpost adjustment, you might want to leave these items for a luthier to repair.
Can you fix a violin on your own?
You can make certain fixes to your violin on your own, but if you’re ever in doubt, always seek the opinion and services of a professional luthier. These individuals have spent years studying and performing the delicate tasks involved in violin restoration, and they have the equipment and expertise to solve your problem.
What to do if shoulder rest breaks on violin?
Similar to the chine rest, if the shoulder rest breaks, simply buy a new one. It is not an actual part of the violin and can easily be replaced.
What do you use to stop strings on a violin?
When an instrument has frets, it is those frets that stop the strings, but on a violin you use your fingers to stop the strings. Frets may help you learn the correct finger positions when you are starting out, but once you have the fundamentals down, they would just get in the way.
What Is The Nut Of A Violin?
The nut combines with the bridge to define the length of the vibrating section of the strings. It is located on the opposite side of the strings from the bridge, which means it is on the end closest to the scroll. It supports the strings on that end, setting their height above the fingerboard and their spacing from each other.
What Are The Parts Of A Violin Bow?
The bow is much less complex than the violin itself, so it has fewer parts. That said, you may be surprised at how many different part a bow does have.
How to fix a fingerboard that is stuck to the neck?
If you have a clamp lying around, this repair is straightforward. All it requires is super gluing the fingerboard down against the neck, and clamping it down to keep it in place as the glue dries. Read more about this repair here.
How to attach violin mute?
If you want to attach a violin mute, you put it on the bridge. Some types of mutes, like torte mutes, can hang loosely on the strings between the tail piece and the bridge, when they are not in use. Then you slide them upward and attach them to the bridge when you want to use them.
What is a scroll on a violin?
What is it? The scroll is the decoratively carved piece of wood at the head of your violin, opposite where you rest your chin. Theoretically, the scroll has no effect on the actual sound of the violin and how you play it.
What to do if you are unsure about violin?
The most important thing to remember is that if for any reason you are unsure about performing the work yourself: always take your violin to a qualified professional. The last thing you’ll want to do is worsen the situation—or what’s even more dreadful—damage your violin beyond repair with your personal attempt.
How to keep pegs from slipping?
Starting the winding process at the right place makes a huge difference. The additional force of the string will help keep your pegs from slipping, plus, it’s very simple to adjust if the string becomes slack: you simply tighten it by turning the peg.
How to string a peg?
Begin by inserting the ball end of the string in the tailpiece and the peg end in the hole. Rather than pushing and turning the peg at the same time at first, gently direct the string to the side of the peg box (opposite the insertion point) with your thumb, and wind the string next to the box—without pushing the peg in—until the pressure is able to hold the string in the tailpiece securely. The string will wind close to the wall of the box, and then gradually work evenly back towards the insertion hole on the peg. Proceed to tighten the string completely using the push and turn motion.
What happens if you wind a string on a peg?
When you wind your string on the peg, if it’s done incorrectly, it places undue stress and pressure on the peg and you’ll find yourself suffering from constant slipping problems. Although you can solve the situation temporarily by applying peg compound or drops, it won’t work forever and it perpetuates a problem that will eventually require a professional peg replacement and/or peg hole re-bore (which can be quite pricey).
Can you re-glue a fingerboard?
Although you can temporarily re-glue a fingerboard or chin rest, it’s best to have a professional perform these tasks so that it will last.
Can you repair a violin at home?
But, don’t despair. Fixing some of the most common violin problems doesn’t always require a trip to your local trusted music shop or a Luthier (professional stringed instrument maker); you can perform minor repairs at home. The most important thing to remember is that if for any reason you are unsure about performing the work yourself: always take your violin to a qualified professional. The last thing you’ll want to do is worsen the situation—or what’s even more dreadful—damage your violin beyond repair with your personal attempt.
What does it mean when a violin is missing pieces?
Missing pieces—parts of the violin can become detached with age. The glue used (hide glue) is designed to allow “crackling,” which pretty much means that it cracks easily with sufficient pressure. This is intentional, allowing a luthier to make instrument repairs. The fingerboard, bridge, chin rest, pegs and other pieces can be replaced if the violin is worth it.
What is a good indicator of a violin?
Scroll —if the scroll looks artistic and detailed, this is another good indicator that the violin should be taken to a dealer or luthier for appraisal. Nice violins will feature carvings that are pleasing to look at, and continue well into the center of the scroll .
What does a paper label on a violin mean?
A Paper Label inside the Violin—this usually indicates that a craftsman created the instrument. Many fine violins were made by individuals who never received fame of fortune, and perhaps only crafted a handful of instruments in their lifetime.
Can you repair a violin that belonged to your grandfather?
However, sometimes the repairs will exceed the worth of the instrument. If your violin has sentimental value and you want to play it because it belonged to your grandfather or great-grandfather then don’t hesitate. Take it to a professional luthier for complete repairs.
Can you repair a violin?
Again, only a dealer , a luthier, or even a trusted violin teacher will be able to tell you if you should invest in repairing your violin. Many times, string replacements and cleaning, refitting the bridge, Soundpost, or other small fixes can make a huge difference in the look and sound of an older violin.
Do violins get better with age?
Just like fine wine, great violins only get better with age; whereas an inexpensive, poorly crafted violin will only get worse. But, you can learn some basic clues about what makes a fine violin that will help your decision. And while the only real rule of thumb is to have a professional luthier (or dealer) personally inspect the violin, ...
