Restringing a violin is relatively straight forward and easy task to undertake. Usually about once a year is about right for the average violin players restringing frequency. Its a good idea to keep a spare set of strings on hand in-case one breaks so you can do it straight away, and then once the first one is changed check out the others, to see if they might need changing as well. You see, before a violin string breaks, usually its has started to degrade.
Tell tale signs of needing a strings change are :
1. Discolouration such as oxidation as a white powered on aluminium strings and rust on steel strings (particularly the E string)
2. The winding on the outer string is starting to unravel. This may occur at points of higher preassure such as the bend at the nut and over the bridge. Also common is the A string when the first few fingers go down
3. The ‘sparkle’ has gone out of the sound. That is over time strings stretch and thus lose their elasticity. once this is gone their ability to support the over tone harmonics is also diminished. ‘Sparkle’ is the technical term 😉
4. Just before a string breaks it loses its ability to stay in tune, make sure this is not due to to peg slippage though. Its the internal fibres of the string starting to let go.
If your changing the strings yourself (and you should learn to do this) also :
1. Make sure to ‘lube’ the nut and bridge with a lead pencil so the string can move easily.
2. Clean up the fingerboard underneath, if its grooved then get that seen too as this will effect the strings ability to vibrate properly.
3. Make sure the pegs still grip, and don’t creak or jump – this is a sure sign that a peg break is likely in the future – and need some lube or peg paste.
4. Make sure the pegs turn smoothly, if not the peg holes may be slightly out of round and need some reaming. Ebony is harder than maple and wears it away over time.
5. When winding the string on, wind the string on away from the peg wall for a turn then cross it over itself to lock it onto the peg and wind the string up to the peg wall its closest to on the nut, this helps stop the tapered peg from escaping the peg box a little. (If this doesn’t make sense ask someone that knows a bit more that you)
A violin restringing is a bit like a minor service, so in addition to all of the above give the violin a good look over and a clean (nothing but a gentle cloth and the tip of your tongue to moisten it though). If it has any issues that need attending to take it to someone for an opinion.
Also make sure to pickup your next set of strings at this time to (though the old ones can be emergency spares for a while). You might also like to try another brand/make of string as well…they all sound different so depending on what sound you are looking for get some advice there as well (see Violin String Selection Guide…for Brisbane-ites and beyond )