How to String a Violin Correctly

The scroll on a violin contains the tuning pegs.

The violin. like any stringed instrument, can begin to sound dull if the strings aren't replaced regularly. Replacing the strings on a violin is actually a simple process. Many beginning violinists have their strings replaced by a professional, but this is unnecessary. Changing the strings on your violin yourself not only saves you money, but also lets you change your strings more frequently. Keeping fresh strings on your violin can help ensure that your instrument always sounds its best.

Things You'll Need

• Violin strings
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Remove the new strings from their packages. Tie a small knot at the end of each of the strings. This is the knot that fits into the tailpiece of the violin to anchor each string in place. Tying the knots ahead of time will free you to hold your bridge in place as you seat each new string on the violin.

2. Loosen the old strings on your violin the by turning the turning keys counterclockwise to unwind. Start with one string and completely replace that string before moving to the next. If you remove all of your strings, there will be nothing keeping your bridge in place and you will need to realign and hold the bridge in place as you put on new strings. The order in which you change the strings isn't crucial, but generally starting from the thinnest string and working to the thickest is easiest.

3. Remove the tuning peg and unwind any string still attached to it. Pull the string through the hole in the tuning peg to remove it from the peg.

4. Cut the knotted end of the the old string and pull the string free of the tailpiece, then retrieve a new string and attach the knotted end in the tailpiece. Be sure the knotted end rests securely in the tailpiece and the bridge indentation. With the three older strings still on the bridge, the bridge will remain in place and level as you draw the new string to the winding peg.

5. Align the new string along the length of your violin (from the scroll to the tailpiece), making sure the string rests in the appropriate slot of the nut. Pull the string taut from the tuning peg end, give it two or three turns in a clockwise motion to seat your new string, then gradually push the tuning peg back into the peg chamber as you tighten the string (continue turning clockwise). Don't fully tune the string at this point. Tighten it just enough to apply pressure to the bridge to keep the tension level on the tailpiece and the bridge level.

6. Replace each string on the violin in the same method previously described. When the new strings are on the violin, tune them using a digital tuner or a reference note. Do not tune one string fully. Begin at the thinnest string, tune it partially, then move to the thickest string and tune it partially. Repeat this process with the second and third strings, then begin again with the thinnest string and bring each string to full tune in the same order. This will maintain proper tension on the bridge and tailpiece.

Tips & Warnings

• For pegs that stick, you can purchase a peg compound to rub on the area of the peg that sticks. This compound can be purchased at most music stores. Quick fixes also include using a graphite pencil on the area that sticks or rubbing birthday candle wax over the offending area.

References

• Violin Online: Changing Violin Strings
• Children's Music Workshop: Changing the Strings on a Violin