Comments on: How to String a Viola

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!