How to Setup a Violin Viola or Cello Properly? This question requires a thorough answer... and we know what it takes! If you are new to the violin family of instruments, you will learn that the parts of a violin are not standard and cannot be bought off of the shelf. Parts such as pegs, bridges, soundposts etc...are all custom fit. Each violin is different and requires special considerations to be made while it's being "set-up" by an experienced luthier.
Our shop sees many instruments come across our work bench and its always a disappointment when we have to inform a customer who bought an instrument somewhere else for, what might have been "good deal" on a violin, was really the beginning of a series of problems that a student is now facing. This often leads to frustration, expense and worst of all, abandoning the thought of playing. It doesn't have to be that way!
Yes....we can, and do solve many problems everyday in our shop. Call us if you need a repair or if you feel the setup is not adequate. If your looking at making a purchase, then make the right choice upfront and save the expense.
This checklist tells you about our professional shop adjustment.
You shouldn’t ever consider buying an instrument that has not been expertly adjusted!
THE BRIDGE – Each bridge is hand cut and is fit to the specific instrument. A carefully fit bridge has been cut to so as not to be to thick which would dampen sound. A good bridge allows the strings to vibrate freely and has been given the proper height for easy playing. It must be correctly curved, with proper spacing for the strings so that bowing will developed with proper technique.
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 the strings to break
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. The strings must be checked for proper height starting at the nut and on to the bridge.
THE PEGS – Fine quality ebony, rosewood or boxwood 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. Historically, the tailpiece has been made of the same material as the pegs and end button, which is usually ebony in the case of the student instrument. However, now fine tailpieces are made of new very strong, lighter materials with string adjusters built-in.
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 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 two part final inspection. ~ First by an experienced violin luthier and ~ Second by a Violinist who knows how a violin should feel and sound. This assures that the instrument meets or exceeds all specifications. Many customers say that a primary reason for using our instruments is our “set-up” (adjustment). Many companies have just one adjustment; if you like it OK, if not, too bad! We take the time to set-up each instrument based on it's own characteristics. Of course, if a customer has a special request; we do all of the above by hand, one at a time, which enables us to alter the specifications to your specific measurements if they differ from the norm. We will do it YOUR way! You might be surprised to know that some companies will 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 decrease a students success. I hope you see that low price alone is not a complete picture of value. We combine both low prices and better instruments that will not only last longer, but enhance your performance skills as well.
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THE BRIDGE – Each bridge is hand cut and is fit to the specific instrument. A carefully fit bridge has been cut to so as not to be to thick which would dampen sound. A good bridge allows the strings to vibrate freely and has been given the proper height for easy playing. It must be correctly curved, with proper spacing for the strings so that bowing will developed with proper technique. 
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 the strings to break
THE PEGS – Fine quality ebony, rosewood or boxwood 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 TAILPIECE – These must be sized in proportion to the size of the instrument as it is the link between the end button and bridge. Historically, the tailpiece has been made of the same material as the pegs and end button, which is usually ebony in the case of the student instrument. However, now fine tailpieces are made of new very strong, lighter materials with string adjusters built-in.
THE TAILGUT – We use only the finest fasteners to minimize any chance of breakage.