How to Replace Strings on a Violin

Even the best violin is nothing without its strings. The strings of a violin are responsible for the instrument's sound production, but all violin strings wear out and require replacement from time to time. Though the process of changing strings is relatively simple, you need to get it just right to ensure the best possible sound and proper maintenance of the violin.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Replacement strings
• Peg juice

1. Buy replacement strings. Violin strings of many brands and types are available at most music supply stores, but make sure you get the proper pitches: E, A, D and G. For the sake of consistency of sound, you'll want all of your strings to be of the same brand and make. If you've never replaced any of your strings before, replace all of them.

2. Remove and replace one string at a time. The bridge of the violin is held in place by the force of the tightened strings, so only remove one string at a time to avoid dislodging this piece. Remove each string by loosening the tuning peg (the thick, usually black pegs on the end of the violin's neck) until the string is completely unwound, then pulling the string down and off the instrument through the hole in the tailpiece where it's connected. Pull carefully to avoid letting the string whip or slap against the instrument, as this may damage the violin.

3. Thread each new string into the tailpiece of the violin. Grip the end of the string that does not have a ball or loop attached to it and thread this through the tailpiece from below the holes, pulling until the end ball or loop stops the string from passing through the holes. If your violin tailpiece also has fine tuning pegs, be sure to thread the string through the U-shaped structures attached to these and sitting in the tailpiece holes.

4. Wrap each new string at the peg. Thread the tip of the string through the hole in the peg, then tighten the peg to wrap the string around it. Guide the string as it wraps so that it does not overlap, but wraps cleanly from the inside of the peg to the outside.

5. Tune the new strings. Tighten the pegs until the strings are taut, then tune them to the appropriate pitches for playing. If your pegs have become too loose to hold the strings in place, gently push them in. If this isn't enough, use a few drops of peg juice (an oily substance sold in music stores that will cause the wood of the pegs to swell and stay in place).

References

• Replacing Violin Strings