How to String a Viola

The viola has a rich, alto sound and uses strings that allow the instrument to play five steps below the range of the violin and one octave above the range of a cello. Replace old strings before they "pop" during performance.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Block Of Rosins
• Pitch Pipes For Viola
• Set Of Viola Strings
• String Instrument Repair & Supplies
• Viola Bows
• Viola Bridges
• Viola Cases
• Viola Music & Method Books
• Chairs
• Chairs

1. Loosen all four strings gradually. Remove each string from the hole in the doweling that penetrates the scroll.

2. Retrieve the bridge that supported the strings. Place it in the viola case for later use.

3. Cut the viola strings from the "tail-piece" keyholes. Mark these holes to remember which string is mounted where.

4. Tie a small knot at the base end of each string to fit below the string slot, forming an anchor point when tension is applied.

5. Thread the clean end of each new string through the underside of the hole slots in the tailpiece. Be sure the string is securely set and will not slip when tension is increased.

6. Thread the opposite end of each viola string through the holes in the proper doweling rod so that additional turns will lie on top of the end of that string and prevent it from slipping. Tension is not to be applied yet.

7. Set the strings on top of the bridge indentations with the bridge foot over the tone post.

8. Gradually tighten the strings, rotating among the strings.

9. Use a four-note pitch pipe or a piano to begin the pitch matching and the tuning process.

10. Be aware that the tuning will gradually "flatten" due to the normal stretching of new strings. Stretching should be complete in one week.

Tips & Warnings

• If the bridge is cracked or damaged, replace it.
• Avoid the total mounting or removal of one string at one time. Tension problems can cause a potential "warp" in the instrument.
• Mark the exact point where the bridge was mounted so replacement is exact.
• A supporting "tone post" is underneath the base of this mount point. One "foot" of the bridge sits above it. This transmits the string vibrations to the entire instrument. Peek through the "f" holes in the top of the instrument to see where the tone post is located.

on 11/22/2005 Replace one string at a time! Do not take all the strings off all at once. You must keep some tension on the strings at all times, or else the soundpost could come loose, which means a trip to the repair shop.

on 11/22/2005 1) Replace one string at a time. There is no need to loosen the other 3. Bring the new string up to tune. Then replace another one until you have done a set of 4 (if you are replacing a complete old set). If one string breaks or unravels, and the remaining 3 are in good condition, it's OK to replace just the one.
2) Use a soft pencil to apply a little graphite to each groove in the nut (at top of the fingerboard, just before the peg box) and the bridge when you replace strings. This is good for lubrication.
3) Do not let the bridge fall or move when you replace strings.
4) There is no reason to tie knots in the strings. Commercial strings have anchors to hold them to the tail piece.
5) Do not let the sound post fall over. If it does, for any reason, go to a good violin shop or luthier (violin maker) to have it set up correctly. This isn't something you can do accurately on your own.

on 11/22/2005 You don't want to remove all the strings at once because this may cause the sound peg to collapse, which is NOT good!