Do violinists change their own strings?

Often, violin shops will offer to change them for you, either for free or for a small fee. This works well if you don't wish to take up lesson time, having your teacher change strings. On the other hand, having your teacher change your strings can be an opportunity for you to learn how to do it.

How often do violinists change strings?

Your strings should be replaced, at minimum, every 9-12 months, but there are too many variables to assign an exact timeframe. Keep in mind that the only real downside to replacing your strings too soon is the cost, while waiting too long can actually result in a number of negative consequences.

Should I change my own violin strings?

You may change all violin strings at once but you should NEVER remove all the strings at the same time. You can also wait a day or two between changing each string, so the bridge doesn't move as the strings settle.

Can you restring your own violin?

Changing the strings on your violin can be a daunting task. But rather than spending time and money getting a luthier to restring your instrument, you can replace them yourself with this step-by-step guide. Learning to restring a violin is a valuable skill.

What happens if you don't change your violin strings?

However, if you don't change them when you need to, the drawbacks can be very serious. In addition to sounding bad (and thinking you've lost all your abilities), worn out strings are more likely to break while playing, which can be dangerous, and you have to use more pressure to produce sound.

Changing Your Own Violin Strings; The Three Fears I Hear Most From Violin Students

Do violin strings expire?

Yes, violin strings expire. While violin strings might have a pretty long shelf life depending on usage, they can still lose their ability to produce the best sounds.

Is it hard to change violin strings?

If your fiddle is in good working order, changing the strings will be easy. However, warped pegs, warped peg boxes (from sitting in the attic), peg holes drilled too small, too big, or very, very frequently in the wrong places, etc.

How long does it take to break in violin strings?

Keep playing

Breaking in new violin strings isn't a uniform process for everyone. Generally, it takes up to 3-7 days for the strings to settle. Unlike gut strings, synthetic strings may initially sound metallic or too loud with a lot of surface noise.

Are all violin pegs the same?

There are many different styles of violin pegs, but they all do essentially the same thing: they keep the strings taut and tuned. Pegs are typically made of boxwood, rosewood, ebony, or maple. A violinist's preference may be influenced by their own violin's wood's finish.

Does a violin get better with age?

It depends on two things: the quality of the violin, and the quality of the playing that is occurring on the violin. I've spoken before about teaching a violin: a good violin will "open up" over time, but you'll improve its voice most by playing it frequently, playing it in tune, making the wood vibrate, etc.

Why is it so hard to tune a violin?

Many factors can contribute to problems with tuning: ill-fitting pegs that slip or stick; fine tuners that don't work; old strings that have gone false. One of my adult students this week had decided to get fine tuners on all his strings to make it easier to tune.

How long does a violin bridge last?

If properly cared for, they can last a lifetime—or several lifetimes, in fact. I see bridges cut 50 years ago at the long-shuttered Wurlitzer, or even older, from the Hill shop.

Can violin strings be reused?

June 19, 2007 at 07:51 PM · Of course you can use the strings again. Many violinists install new strings on another fiddle--just to stretch em out. by doing so. The Pirazzi's might not sound 'right' on your violin OR you might want to install the Obligato's on a different violin.

How long do violins last?

“A violin lasts over 200 years, sometimes longer, [so] market saturation is reached very quickly,” says Giorgio Grisales, Colombian-born luthier and president of the city's 'Antonio Stradivari' Consortium of violin makers.

Are violins easy to break?

Violin strings are tough and durable, but they do break. The first time a violin string breaks, it can be pretty disconcerting. But the experience of breaking strings is not uncommon for those who play the violin. In fact, many players will break more than one string over the course of their playing career.

How long do violin gut strings last?

Many luthiers advise that gut strings should be changed at least every 120 to 150 hours of playing time to sound their best.

How much does violin cost?

Violin's usually cost anywhere from $50 to $500 for a children's violin and $600 to $5,000, or more, for a more advanced instrument. With that said, there are a lot of factors that play a role in how much a violin costs. And, often, you'll be paying for a bow and a protective case, along with the violin.

How often do you tune a violin?

A good violinist can play in tune on an untuned violin... Tune your violin every time your practice... but don't be to rigid about playing on an untuned violin. If you are performing, you can't tune your violin every 5 minutes.

What order should I string my violin?

The proper order for the strings of a violin is: low to high - G, D, A, and then E.

Why do violinists use a cloth?

June 11, 2005 at 04:44 PM · Some players use it for extra traction when playing in dress clothing made out of smooth/slick fabrics. Someone who uses a handkerchief with a dress shirt or tux often does not use one at home or in the studios when playing in sweats or a t-shirt.

Can you clean your violin with alcohol?

Is it safe to clean my violin with alcohol? You should never use cleaning solvents, alcohol, hand sanitizer, or alcohol-based solvents on the wood of your violin. Alcohol compounds can easily damage the varnish on your violin.

How do I know when I need new violin strings?

Check the strings to see if they appear dirty, grimy, especially worn, or fraying. If you notice the sound the violin produces is dull, then it's time to change the strings. Some of these changes occur over time, which means that they can be difficult to detect.