HOW TO CHANGE STRINGS AND TUNE A VIOLIN
Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio
How to change strings and tune the violin
When it comes to playing the violin, changing and tuning the strings is a necessary skill to acquire. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, knowing how to properly maintain your instrument can make a big difference to the quality of sound produced. In this article, I will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to change and tune your violin strings, as well as answers to some of the most common questions about this process. Additionally, I’ll provide some tips to help you achieve the perfect sound and maintain your violin’s tune over time. Stringing and tuning a violin can seem like a daunting task for beginners, but with a little practice it can become second nature. Here are the steps to follow:
➤ Remove only one old string: start by loosening the strings. To loosen the strings, use the string adjusters or pegs to lower the pitch until the strings are loose enough to remove from the tailpiece and pegbox. Remove and replace the strings one at a time, rather than removing them all at once. This will help keep the bridge in place and prevent damage to the instrument.
➤ Clean the instrument: before installing new strings, it’s a good idea to give your violin a quick clean. Use a soft cloth to remove any dust or rosin from the body and fingerboard.
➤ Choose your new strings: there are many different types of violin strings available, and your choice of strings can make a big difference in the sound of your instrument. Consult a teacher or professional for recommendations, and be sure to choose the right size strings for your instrument.
➤ Install the new strings: start with the thinnest string (E string) and work your way up to the thickest (G string). Insert the ball end of the string into the tailpiece, then thread the other end of the string through the hole in the peg. Pull the string taut and turn the peg clockwise to tighten the string. Make sure the string wraps neatly and smoothly around the peg. Use the fine tuner to make minor adjustments.
➤ Tune the strings: use a digital tuner to tune your violin. Tighten each string from thickest to thinnest until it reaches the correct pitch, which is G-D-A-E. You can use the fine tuners to make small adjustments, but to make bigger changes, turn the pegs slowly as you push them into the pegbox to prevent them from slipping. If a peg is too loose or too tight in its hole, it may slip or become difficult to turn, so you can use a peg hole reamer or peg shaver to adjust the fit.
➤ Tension the strings: after you have tuned your violin, stretch the strings by gently pulling them away from the fingerboard with your fingers. This will help keep the strings in tune and improve the sound quality.
➤ Play your violin: once you have changed your new strings and tuned your violin, give it a quick test to see how it sounds. You may need to make additional adjustments to get the best sound from your instrument. Strings need at least three days to set.
Breaking strings when changing them on a violin can be frustrating and time-consuming. Here are some tips to help you avoid string breakage:
➤ Don’t overtighten the strings: overtightening can put too much tension on the strings and cause them to break.
➤ Use a fine tuner: if your violin has a fine tuner, use it to make small adjustments to the string tension. This will help you avoid overtightening the strings when tuning.
➤ Check the bridge: Before tightening the strings, make sure the bridge is straight and properly aligned. If the bridge is out of alignment, it can put too much pressure on the strings and cause them to break.
➤ Be gentle: when changing strings, handle the instrument gently. Avoid pulling or pushing the strings too hard, as this can cause them to break.
➤ Change one string at a time: to avoid putting too much tension on the instrument at once, it’s best to change one string at a time. This will prevent you from accidentally breaking several strings at once.
The tuning of a violin can be affected by changes in temperature, humidity and other environmental factors.
➤ Store your violin in a stable environment: the ideal temperature for storing a violin is between 15-21°C (60-70°F) and the relative humidity should be between 40-60%. Avoid storing your violin in areas that are too hot or too cold, or in areas that are too humid or too dry.
➤ Use a humidifier or dehumidifier: if you live in an area with high humidity, you may need to use a dehumidifier to keep the air around your violin dry. Conversely, if you live in an area with low humidity, you may need to use a humidifier to keep the air around your violin with enough moisture.
➤ Store your violin properly: when not in use, store your violin in a quality case that provides adequate protection from changes in temperature and humidity. Be sure to keep the case out of direct sunlight, which can also cause damage to the instrument.
➤ Tune your violin regularly: to ensure that your violin remains in tune, tune it regularly, ideally before each use. This will help you detect any changes in tuning caused by changes in weather or other environmental factors.
Before starting to play your violin, you need to make sure that the strings are tight enough. To do this, turn the pegs located at the top of the instrument to adjust the tension. Use a fine tuner to refine the sound further once the strings are close to pitch.
Getting the right tune can be tricky, but you will become more familiar with your instrument’s sound with practice. To get the right tune, use a tuner or tune your violin against another instrument or a piano. Start with the G string and then move on to the D, A and E strings.
If you have fine tuners installed on your violin, use them to make small adjustments. Turn the tuner to tighten or loosen the string until you get the desired pitch. If you can’t get the string in tune with the fine tuner, use the peg to make larger adjustments.
➤ Proper technique and posture while playing can help you produce the most beautiful music possible. Make sure to hold the bow in the right way and keep your fingers positioned correctly on the strings.
➤ When removing old strings, be careful not to damage your violin. Loosen the string by turning the peg or fine tuner. Once the string is loose, unwind it from the peg or fine tuner and remove it from the tailpiece. Repeat for all four strings.
➤ Choosing the right type of string can greatly impact the sound of your violin. Experiment with different types of strings to find the one that works best for your instrument and your playing style.
➤ Once your violin is in tune, it’s important to keep it that way. Check the tune frequently while playing and make small adjustments as needed. Temperature and humidity changes can affect the tune, so be aware of changes in your environment.
➤ Place the tuner on a flat surface near your instrument and turn it on.
➤ Play each string and adjust the peg or fine tuner until the needle or display on the tuner is at the center or shows the correct pitch.
➤ Once all four strings are in tune, double-check the tune by playing a simple melody or using a tuning app.
➤ Even small adjustments can make a big difference in the sound of your violin. Pay attention to the pressure you use when playing, the smoothness and speed of your bow, and the placement of your fingers on the strings to fine-tune your sound.
Learning to play the violin as an adult
Children when is the best time to start playing the violin
Hi, I’m Maite, this blog’s author, violin teacher and modern/baroque violin specialist. Read more