How to Put a New G String on a Violin

Some people are afraid to put a new string on a violin because they think they will snap the string. Don't worry about that. The string is made to stretch throughout its life as it's adjusted, so you're not going to snap it when you install it. Here's how to install a new G string on a violin.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Take the end of the G string that has a gold hoop or ball, and stick it in the fine-tuner hole on the tailpiece. Slide it into the slot until it catches and try to keep some tension on it while working on the peg. Don't worry if it pops out.
2. Put the other end of the string through the hole on the peg, making sure the peg is in the scroll. Allow about ½ inch of string to extend through the opposite side of the hole.
3. Bend the ½ inch toward the skinniest part of the peg. Turn the peg to start wrapping the wire around it. Start by wrapping over the top of the ½ inch of string to lock the string into place, otherwise it can unravel as you wrap.
4. Work your way toward the large end of the peg, winding in a neat fashion rather than haphazardly crisscrossing. A crisscross pattern can make tuning the string more difficult later.
5. Push the peg into the hole as you finish tightening the G string so that the string doesn't loosen.
6. Check that the hoop is securely in place in the tailpiece as you finish tightening the string.