Hi all

I got my viola from the music shop this morning, however when I got it home and tried to tune it, one of the strings snapped. I play violin and this has never happened before. Also, I have never had to change the strings on my violin.. so I'm a bit bemused as to how to change them. I know its probably a simple question but does anyone have any advice on stringing and tuning the viola, is it different to the violin?

Joy

I cant imagine it would be much different to tuning a Violin only maybe a little more strength is needed with the thicker strings. I'm only guessing though!
Also, dont forget to tune them to C G D and A.... I'm joking!

Gae

QUOTE (Gae @ Feb 3 2005, 12:32 PM)

Also, dont forget to tune them to C G D and A.... I'm joking!

Yes.. I realised that! Thanks for telling me though

I'm hoping it has just been a bad day and that the strings will be ok next time I get some

Joy

Hi Joy,

Lucky you getting a viola !

One tip when replacing the string. Once in the peg and still quite loose, stretch the string gently. This stops it slipping out of tune all the time when it's new.

You could even loosen the other strings and do it.

I've done it on my violin when I re-strung it and it never needs tuning.

Fiona

QUOTE (Fiona @ Feb 3 2005, 01:15 PM)

One tip when replacing the string. Once in the peg and still quite loose, stretch the string gently. This stops it slipping out of tune all the time when it's new.

Hi Fiona

Thanks for the advice on the strings.....

Joy

PS How's the violin coming?

Just out of curiosit, what make is your viola? My old viola had a sharp bit on the fingerboard just below the scroll that caused the strings to break, it wasn't a very good viola either.

Hi Joy.

Long time no hear.

Violin coming on brilliantly ! I'm even doing a bit of vibrato !

I'm in two orchestras as well !

AND I've got a cello for xmas/birthday. Not too bad to play actually. Just getting used to where the notes are on the strings.

What else are you doing ?

Hope you are well.

Fiona

QUOTE (isabelsmells @ Feb 3 2005, 04:36 PM)

Just out of curiosit, what make is your viola? My old viola had a sharp bit on the fingerboard just below the scroll that caused the strings to break, it wasn't a very good viola either.

My Viola is s Stentor one, not sure if it's a good make or not. I was pretty annoyed that my string broke, as I'm not sure exactly what I did wrong!

Joy

QUOTE (isabelsmells @ Feb 3 2005, 04:36 PM)

Just out of curiosit, what make is your viola? My old viola had a sharp bit on the fingerboard just below the scroll that caused the strings to break, it wasn't a very good viola either.

My Viola is s Stentor one, not sure if it's a good make or not. I was pretty annoyed that my string broke, as I'm not sure exactly what I did wrong!

Joy

QUOTE (Fiona @ Feb 3 2005, 05:18 PM)

Violin coming on brilliantly ! I'm even doing a bit of vibrato ! What else are you doing ?

Hi Fiona, I am well thanks, hope you are doing ok too?

I'm really enjoying playing the violin hence why I thought I would give the viola a go too. Have you still got the same violin? I have, it's still a bit squeaky now and again but I think I'm improving, and I have had a go at vibrato too, but not sure if I am doing it right. I've just been trying to play along to some cds for the vibrato techniques.

Other things... well I am doing grade 7 theory in March and then hopefully grade 1 violin sometime this year. I've been playing my flute and clarinet, still only for fun, playing along with cds etc. but it's all good experience I think! Oh, also I have found a diploma teacher for piano performance, so will get started on that sometime this year or next, whilst completing a masters

How's the cello? Sounds fun, I'd love to try it one day

Joy

Strings do break. Don't worry about it. You'll probably want to upgrade the strings anyway.

Liz

QUOTE (joyjoy @ Feb 3 2005, 09:53 PM)

QUOTE (isabelsmells @ Feb 3 2005, 04:36 PM) Just out of curiosit, what make is your viola? My old viola had a sharp bit on the fingerboard just below the scroll that caused the strings to break, it wasn't a very good viola either. My Viola is s Stentor one, not sure if it's a good make or not. I was pretty annoyed that my string broke, as I'm not sure exactly what I did wrong! Joy

Seeing as it is a Stentor, I'd suggest replacing all the strings anyway and rebridging it as Stentors can be funny.

QUOTE (isabelsmells @ Feb 4 2005, 05:31 PM)

Seeing as it is a Stentor, I'd suggest replacing all the strings anyway and rebridging it as Stentors can be funny.

Wel I have to get replacement strings obviously, I was hoping for some dominant ones if they do them for viola.. and as for a bridge, any makes I should look out for?

No, you can't fit a bridge yourself (except an adjustable one in an emergency but even then you've got three heights to choose from). If you got it from a specialist shop it will probably be properly set up and will be fine anyway. If not, frankly, unless it's a better Stentor (Messina upwards) I wouldn't bother, it will be uneconomic to get it professionally set up and you will almost certainly find it quite playable as it is: the days of totally unplayable Stentors have, fortunately, long since gone.

I wouldn't try Dominants, I doubt very much if they will work on a Stentor viola. Helicores might work (they work nicely on the Stentor violins) and are cheaper.

Liz

Hi Joy

I'm well. Busy with 3 young children !

I've still got the same violin but a different bow. I've upgraded from a £20 student bow to a £140 Paesold ! I can tell the difference I must say.

The bow doesn't bounce anymore and it's much lighter. My old bow does still bounce I must add! But it was quite heavy in comparison.

I'm having some lessons for technique (violin) which has helped immensley by a brilliant man who is a professional violinist. I was really chuffed because when he played my violin, he said it wasn't bad for a cheap chinese fiddle ! Wohoo

As for the cello, this is coming on slowly and not to difficult to get the hang of.

Doing my G4 piano this June

Good luck with the viola

You must be shattered with all that going on - Masters, performance diploma. Plus flute, clarinet and G7 theory !

Good luck for March ! Let me know how you get on

Fiona

Hi Fiona

You sound like you are busy too! It's hectic doing a masters, however, playing my instruments are a good stress reliever

Take care and I'll let you know how I do in March.

Joy

QUOTE (elidatrading @ Feb 4 2005, 06:54 PM)

I wouldn't try Dominants, I doubt very much if they will work on a Stentor viola.  Helicores might work (they work nicely on the Stentor violins) and are cheaper.

QUOTE

[QUOTE]

I have got dominants on my viola and they work very well, so given them ago!! They are much better than the factory strings and only about £40 for a set.