How to Change or Replace Strings on a Violin, Viola, or Cello

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10 Step Video Summary:
1. Remember to replace one string at a time! Remove the a-string by de-tuning and lowering the pitch turning counter-clockwise. This applies to the highest pitch string, the e-string as well.

2. Add some graphite to the bridge and nut as well when the string is off on each string. This prevents breakage from friction of string to stress points.

3. Thread replacement string through peghole and wrap the thread from the peghole wrapping right.

4. Make a cross wrap left then swing it right if there is too much thread for the pegbox and thread is cramming against the pegbox end.

5. If the peg ends up at a bad spot for turning the peg, experiment on how far you need to thread the string through the peghole (1/16 up to an 3/4 of an inch ) or clip off that amount off of the thread to create room.

6. Use two hands to carefully apply a squeezing inwards wedgeforce turn as needed to keep peg from slipping when tuning string up to pitch. Turn clockwise to raise the pitch, while using thumb to pluck the string for pitch reference, have a drone pitch or physical tuner or app-tuner for reference.

7. Apply the same tuning methods to d-string and g-string, however on the pegs on the left side of the violin,
a counter-clockwise motion raises the pitch, and clockwise motion lowers and de-tunes the pitch

8. For the e-string, you can choose to use the plastic tube protector lined up at the edge of e-string and behind in the bridge or remove it if your bridge has a parchment protector installed on the bridge.

9. If you have trouble installing the e-string, thread it through further or crease the end for a nice grab of the peg hole. Use your hand to give the string resistance as you tune it up, or it may slip easily or the string may pop outof the tailpiece end.

10. Finally, check the bridge as it may have pulled forward, the back of the bridge should be 90° to the violin top. To straighten the bridge angle, use your stomach and knees to cradle the violin, carefully use your thumbs and index fingers to gently pull bridge towards the tailpiece with controlled resistance by using your pinkies to hold the side of the violin as a counter balance.

Note: These same principles can be used to tune up a viola and cello, but refer to this string diagram for corresponding viola/cello string configuration, i.e. pegbox
G D
X
C A

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Lecturer: Thomas Yee, Violinist & Pedagogue
www.thomasyee.net