How to Change Violin Strings

If you've noticed your violin strings playing differently or you know it's been at least six months since you replaced your strings, it's probably time to give your violin the attention it needs in order to play properly. Anyone can change the strings-you don't need to be an adult or a professional. Follow these steps and you'll be on your way to making beautiful music in no time.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• New violin strings

1. Change the strings one at a time. Keep the other three strings up to tension. Even though some musicians choose to change all four at once, it truly is better for the violin's structure if you change them one at a time. This produces less of an impact on the bridge post and avoids extreme tension alterations.

2. Slowly twist the peg to unwind the string. Once the peg end is free, remove the opposite end of the string from the claw of the fine tuner. Discard the old string.

3. Hook the ball end of the new string into the claw of the fine tuner. Thread the first string through the peg hole. Allow a quarter of an inch stick out the other end of the peg. Wind it from the center of the peg to the peg box's end.

4. Tighten the string, but take it slowly and tighten only to pitch. If you tighten it too far, it may snap.

5. Repeat the removal and installation process with the next three strings.

6. Give it a few days to adjust to the change if you choose to switch to a new string type. You may think the switch was a mistake, but it takes a little while for the adjustments to settle in and achieve their maximum potential. If you still are not satisfied after a week or several practices, you may want to consider a different type of string.