Quality Instruments Setup

THE BRIDGE – each bridge must be hand cut and fitted individually to each instrument. A carefully fitted bridge allows the strings to vibrate freely without touching the fingerboard, and maintains them at proper height for easy playing. It must be correctly curved, with proper spacing for the strings. A well-fitted bridge also allows the top to vibrate as it should. All of our violins are adjusted with a high quality European bridge.

THE NUT – The nut should have the correct height and spacing to insure that the strings do not touch the fingerboard so there is no “buzzing” sound and the instrument is playable. Also, the nut must be smoothly finished with no sharp edges, which can cause string breakage.

THE FINGERBOARD – The fingerboard must be accurately trued and aligned, smooth and straight, with the proper curvature and correct length and thickness. Fine ebony, not stained or varnished, only lightly oiled. The strings must be checked for proper height starting at the nut and on to the bridge.

THE PEGS – Fine quality ebony pegs individually fitted for smooth easy turning and ideal holding tension. They must be correctly spaced both in relation to one another and not too close to the back of the peg box.

THE SOUNDPOST – Each soundpost is hand fitted to the instrument and properly placed to produce the maximum balance of tone quality and volume. Soundposts fitted abroad by the manufacturers are not usually carefully fitted and placed in proper relationship to the bridge. This is why we do this in our shop.

THE TAILPIECE – These must be sized in proportion to the size of the instrument as it is the link between the end button and bridge.

THE STRING ADJUSTERS – The new Wittner tailpieces have the string adjusters (tuners) built-in. If wood tailpieces are used, we install only the finest quality adjusters, attached firmly to eliminate any chance of buzzing.

THE TAILGUT – We use only the finest new Sacconi-type fasteners to minimize any chance of breakage.

THE CHINREST – A fine quality chinrest must be well-shaped for comfort and balance and attached to the instrument securely.

FINAL INSPECTION – All instruments undergo a final inspection by the shop owner. This assures that the instrument meets or exceeds all specifications.

PLAY TEST – We play test our adjusted instruments to ensure that there are no adjustment issues, such as wolf tones, and that the overall tone and “playability” are excellent.
You might be surprised to know that some companies just send you the instruments the way they receive them from China, Europe, or wherever. The chances of these working properly are certainly not good. A poorly adjusted instrument is guaranteed to increase the chance that your student will quit before they really have the chance to succeed. Low price alone is not true value. We combine both low prices and better instruments that will not only last longer, but enhance your student’s performance skills as well.