4 Things you can and should fix yourself
- Changing strings. Replacing strings is something every violinist should be able to do themselves. Violin strings are...
- 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...
How often should you change the strings on a violin?
- Are the strings hard to tune? Try tuning the strings. ...
- Are the strings sounding dull? A reduction in tone quality is one of the biggest giveaways that a string is nearing the end of its life. ...
- Is there any obvious damage to the strings? ...
- Are you unsure about the state of the strings? ...
How to change your violin strings like a professional?
- Remove the old strings by loosening the pegs. ...
- Add a little graphite to the two contact point, which is the bridge and the neck. ...
- After removing the old string, unwind the new one you are to replace it with and insert the ball end into the tailpiece. ...
- The peg has a hole drilled into it which you pass the other end of the string through. ...
How to clean your violin strings easily?
Use soft micro-fiber cloths
- Choose soft cleaning cloths to avoid scratching the body of your violin.
- Lint-free cleaning towels are the best for wiping the bow without leaving fibers behind or damaging the bow hairs.
- Be sure to keep at least two of these cloths in your violin case to ensure that they are free of dust, debris, and lint.
How do you clean violin strings at home?
Things You'll Need
- Clean rag
- Fingernail
- Spit
Can you fix a violin string?
We recommend taking your violin to your violin instructor or your luthier, the first time or two. While replacing violin strings isn't a complicated task, it's important that you learn to do it correctly. Most music stores will change violin strings for $20 or less, so it's an affordable repair.
How much does it cost to repair a violin string?
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
What do I do if my violin string broke?
0:317:41"I Broke My Violin String!" - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I thought hey well I'm gonna just do a quick video to show you guys an easy way to not break yourMoreSo I thought hey well I'm gonna just do a quick video to show you guys an easy way to not break your strings anymore in your violin.
Can you restring a violin at home?
Yes, you can change violin strings on your own. You just have to be careful and follow the instructions step by step. If it's your first time, it can also be a good idea to ask for help from someone like your teacher. A professional can help guide you through the steps while you're doing them.
How long do strings last on a violin?
9-12 monthsYour strings should be replaced, at minimum, every 9-12 months, but there are too many variables to assign an exact timeframe. Keep in mind that the only real downside to replacing your strings too soon is the cost, while waiting too long can actually result in a number of negative consequences.
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.
How common is it for a violin string to break?
But the experience of breaking strings is not uncommon for those who play the violin. In fact, many players will break more than one string over the course of their playing career.
Why does the E string break so easily?
The main reasons why your guitar strings keep breaking on your electric guitar and your acoustic guitar listed in this article are: Old strings cause guitar strings to break. Bridge, nut, or tuning peg issues cause guitar strings to break. Your playing style can cause guitar strings to break.
Why do strings break violin?
Breaks or frays in the playing area: the string can wear from considerable use-- some players change their strings as often as every 6 to 8 weeks due to the amount of playing/practicing time. The more you play, small amounts of the metal are worn away and the string gets thinner and can start to fray or break.
Do violinists change their own strings?
Often, violin shops will offer to change them for you, either for free or for a small fee. This works well if you don't wish to take up lesson time, having your teacher change strings. On the other hand, having your teacher change your strings can be an opportunity for you to learn how to do it.
How hard is it to replace a violin string?
0:021:28Changing a Violin String - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBy slowly turning the peg towards you. And then just pulling the end of the string out on both sidesMoreBy slowly turning the peg towards you. And then just pulling the end of the string out on both sides to install the new string. You want to start by threading.
How do you tighten a violin string without breaking it?
0:592:42How to Tune your Violin Without Damaging the Strings - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat you can do is once you've learnt to get it. Out. You just take it out. And you just rub aMoreWhat you can do is once you've learnt to get it. Out. You just take it out. And you just rub a little bit of pencil on the thread there like that.
How much does it cost to get your violin restrung?
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.
Why do violin bow strings break?
Hairs might break more often if there is too much rosin on the bow. The quality of the hair plays a big part as well; cheap hair is bleached to make it look whiter. Bleach desiccates the hair and makes it brittle.
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 much does a violin set up cost?
A trip to the local shop will have you spending anywhere from $5 (rarely this cheap), to $50 (high-end violin shop) per peg to correct the problem. Multiple that by 4 and you have a $20-$200 bill just for the pegs. This is a relatively simple job, however, it is quite time consuming.
How much does it cost to replace violin strings?
Most music stores will change violin strings for $20 or less, so it’s an affordable repair. Call ahead and book an appointment, letting them know you’d like to observe the process so you can learn to do it yourself. The second or third time around, change the strings on your own under their supervision. After that, you’ll be ready for DIY violin string replacement.
Why should violin strings be changed?
Please Note: Violin strings should be changed one at a time to maintain tension on the bridge and the sound post. Removing all four of the strings at once can cause the bridge and the sound post to collapse.
Why do my new strings sound bad?
Quite frankly, the strings will sound horrible at first. This is because they need to be “broken in.” Also, if you fail to break them in properly, the strings will need to be re-tuned too frequently for comfort. FYI: musicians of all string instruments – both fretted and non-fretted – have to break in new replacement strings before resuming play time.
How to change the pitch of a guitar?
Are you changing the entire set? 1 Slightly lower the pitch of all the strings in order – A, E, D, G. 2 Start by removing the G string, replacing it as per the instructions above, and then bring it just under pitch again. 3 Do the same for the E, D and G strings.
How long does it take to break in a string?
The more prepared you are to replace, and break in your new string, the sooner you’ll be able to play again. The breaking in process takes about three minutes per string, so around 10 minutes or so to break in a brand new set.
Can you replace violin strings?
The good news is that replacing or changing violin strings is a DIY violin repair that any player can master.
Are you changing the entire set?
While you don’t have to change your violin strings in any particular order, most violinists opt to remove/replace them to streamline the process.
The Art of Instrument Set-Up
Terry Allen, the owner of Evergreen Workshop and violinmaker, performs most set-up and violin repairs in-house for the Virginia Peninsula. Terry’s philosophy is that set-up is an art, a combination of all things that make an instrument playable.
Instrument Repair
Any object, no matter how lovingly used, will encounter wear and tear over time. Terry’s approach as a violinmaker is to start with the least invasive repair.
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 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).
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.
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.
When replacing violin strings, is it a good idea to check the bridge?
When you replace strings, it’s a good opportunity to check the straightness of the bridge. Some people recommend loosening all of the strings, but I’ve rarely found it necessary, especially with smaller violins. I’ve gently straightened and even stood them up at correct pitch for many years without mishaps.
What does a new violin bridge do?
A new bridge has a profound effect on the tone quality of the violin and fitting one must be done by an expert, who will be happy to accommodate your preferences about the bridge’s quality, shape and height relative to the fingerboard.
What to do if fingerboard comes loose?
If the fingerboard comes loose, it must be glued back on by the violin repairer, who will use the correct adhesive – animal/hide glue. 2.
What is the groove on a violin?
It’s rather common for the grooves at the nut to be too shallow on new student violins, so that a lot of pressure is needed for the first semitone – especially B♭ and F♮ on A and E strings. This is a small delicate task with a significant benefit for the player. Leave it to the repairer and test it out in the workshop.
What to do if playback doesn't begin?
If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
How old are violins?
It’s quite satisfying to know that the most sought after violins are around 300 years old! It’s hard to think of any other item in daily use that comes close to their longevity.
Do luthiers cut sound posts?
Luthiers and string instrument repairers cut and set sound posts all the time. It’s a quick and easy job for them, so why try to do it yourself? It’s a difficult and risky task I gave up long ago. A good time to check its position or make alterations is when fitting a new bridge. Sometimes the new bridge changes the balance of resonating frequencies of the violin, which can easily be tested adjusted at the repairer’s workshop.
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 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 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.
What is the nut on a guitar?
The nut is the small piece of wood that supports the strings right before they enter the tuning box.
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.
How long does it take to change the strings on a violin?
With time, you might even be able to change your strings under 10 minutes. Stringing a violin is quite simple, and that is what this piece is all about.
How Often Should You Restring A Violin?
If you play less than that, you can change them once a year. Generally, it is recommended to change your strings at least every 6 months (on an average).
How to put string in peg?
The peg has a hole drilled into it which you pass the other end of the string through. Carefully insert the other end of the string into this tiny hole in the peg.
How do you know if your string needs a change?
You would also know your string needs a change when the resonance of the string begins to fade. As you progress in your play, you would begin to “feel” as you play when your strings are overworked.
How to remove old strings?
Remove the old strings by loosening the pegs. It is much better to remove and replace a string before proceeding to the next one. This will make your work easier and less clumsy.
When to keep old strings?
Keep your old strings. As long as they are not broken and entirely worn out, old strings may come in handy when you need a string urgently (like when your strings get broken right in the middle of a performance)
Can you remove all the strings at once?
As a rule, do not remove all your strings at once. Aside from the possibility of getting confused and getting your strings mixed up, removing all your strings at once can also cause the bridge and or the sound post to collapse. If you, however, need to remove all your strings at once (for a repair), then ensure that you insert a soft, clean cloth between the fingerboard and the sound post to prevent it from collapsing.
