How to Restring a Viola

The strings on a viola are loosened with the tuning pegs.

A viola is a stringed instrument that is quite similar in shape and sound to a violin. The most noticeable difference between the two instruments is size. A viola is noticeably larger than a violin. The second major difference is the tuning. A viola is tuned to C, G, D and A from the deepest string to the highest while a violin is tuned to G, D, A and E. Like any stringed instrument, the strings on a viola need to be changed once a year or so, depending on how often it's played.

Things You'll Need

• Electronic tuner

Instructions

1. Remove one of the old strings. In general, it is easier to restring a viola one string at a time. Loosen the string by turning the tuning peg at the headstock until it becomes slack. Remove the peg from the rod in the peg box. Remove the string through the hole in the tail piece.

2. Take the proper string (the one that corresponds with the one that you have removed) from the pack of new strings. Attach the metal nub at the end of the string to the tail piece, in the same way the old string was attached. Run the string through the fine tuner hold. The finer tuner hold is a piece of wood or metal though which the strings are run after being attached to the tail piece. A small screw is attached to the top of the hold. The screw presses against the string, allowing you to fine tune it. These pieces differ slightly from viola to viola, so examine the other strings to see exactly how this is done on your instrument.

3. Bend the end of the peg-end of the string (about an inch from the end), and insert this bent end of the string into the hole in the tuning peg. Turn the tuning peg toward the scroll for a half a turn or so to secure the string. (Note: each string has its own tuning peg.)

4. Turn the tuning peg toward the scroll while physically moving the new the viola string so that the string crosses over the initial entry point on the tuning peg as it winds around the peg rod. This will help keep the string from slipping out of tune. As the string tightens, make sure that it is running through the proper slot in the bridge.

5. Check that the string is still correctly attached to all parts of the viola as it becomes taut. It is especially important to watch the bridge to make sure that it doesn't start leaning toward the headstock as you attach your new string. If the bridge starts to slip, you can gently adjust it with your hands. Tune the string using an electronic tuner. Once you are near to the proper pitch, use the fine-tuning pegs at the bridge to get the string perfectly in tune.

6. Repeat this process for the other three strings.

References

• Get-Tuned.com: Viola Restringing Guide: Emma Hinge
• Viola-In-Music.com: Differences Between Violin and Viola