by JeremyOK
There are two essential aspects to consider when learning how to properly care for your violin: storing it when not in use and stringing the instrument. Violins can be expensive, but with proper care and well-maintained strings, they can last for decades.
How to Store a Violin
To store your violin correctly, it is important to keep it flat in its case, rather than propped up against something. Violins are made from wood, which can warp over time. Placing the instrument in a cushioned case, specifically molded to fit it, will help keep it secure. It is fine to place the case on its side or prop it up, just not the instrument itself.
A common mistake people make is to leave their violin in the trunk of their car or in an attic. Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause the wood to expand or contract rapidly, leading to stress fractures. If you expose your violin to extreme heat in a car trunk and then bring it into an air-conditioned concert hall, the sudden temperature change can cause damage.
If you notice any warping, a loosening fingerboard, or small cracks in the violin, take it to a professional stringed instrument repair specialist known as a luthier. Delaying the repair could cost you more money in the long run.
Another expense associated with owning a violin is the cost of strings. However, opting for cheap strings, whether metal or gut, can lead to shorter lifespans, unnecessary stress on the instrument, or warping. High-quality strings have a coating that allows the bow hairs to glide smoothly with less friction, ultimately prolonging the life of your bow as well.
How to String a Violin
When changing a string, begin by slightly loosening all the strings, even if you’re only replacing one. This helps maintain even tension on the bridge and neck of the violin. Unwind the string you’re replacing and remove the peg. Then, slide the other end out of the tailpiece, releasing the small ball at the end.
To restring the violin, take the new string out of its packaging and uncoil it. Insert the ball end into the tailpiece’s keyhole and slide it up until it catches. Guide the string over the bridge, making sure the bridge is straight and upright. Then, lead the string up the fingerboard and over the correct slot or notch at the top.
Note: On the E string, especially with steel strings, you may find a small plastic sleeve. This sleeve is positioned on the bridge to prevent the thin E string from cutting into the wood.
Thread the other end, which usually has a silk wrap to help it glide through. This wrap may be color-coded, making it easier to identify the string you’re threading. Turn the string several times, winding it around the peg and leaving about a quarter-inch hanging.
Now, insert the peg and continue tightening until it feels as taut as the other strings. If no other strings need replacing, begin tuning them all, first by tightening with the peg and then using the fine tuner. Congratulations, you’ve just learned how to string a violin!
Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME