How to Attach a Violin String

The bridge and soundpost on a violin are held by the tension of the strings.

Strings on a violin are the main part that makes sound and music possible. Strings can be made from various materials such as gut, metals and a synthetic gut material. The different types of strings favored by musicians for their own sound qualities and personal preferences. The string runs along the neck of the instrument going from the peg box to the tail piece. Pegs and fine tuners help adjust the tension in the string in order to tune each string. The tension on each string is not the same and should be tuned by sound, not tension force.

Things You'll Need

• Tuner

Instructions

1. Lay the violin on a flat surface. Use a soft cloth to avoid scratches on the back.

2. On the tail piece, find the end of the string that has a ball attached.

3. Start winding the string around the peg for that particular string with the plain end. Wind the strings with an overhand motion towards the scroll.

4. Loosen the fine tuner on the tail piece to about halfway.

5. Attach the ball end of the string to the fine tuner and continue to wind the peg.

6. Align the string along the groove in both the bridge and the nut of the fingerboard.

7. Tune the string to the proper tone using a tuner.

Tips & Warnings

• Twist the peg slowly to avoid a sudden breakage of the string.

• Change only one string at one time to prevent the sound post from falling.

References

• Violin Anatomy: Stringed Instruments
• All Things Strings: Five Things Every Player Should Know About Instrument Care