Care and Maintenance of a Violin
Changing the strings

When should the strings be changed?

Strings on the instrument will eventually lose their shape and their tonal qualities. The strings should be changed regularly to maintain good tone quality. How much you play is also a factor, but all strings should be changed at least once a year.

Strings on the violin

Strings should be changed at least once a year.

Change your own strings

First, spread a mat on top of a table. Then, to protect the instrument, spread a cloth on the lower half of the body underneath the tailpiece. The bridge will come loose if the strings are all removed at once, so strings are changed one at a time. First, completely loosen the tuning peg and remove it from the peg box, then remove the string from the peg box hole. At the tailpiece, the small, round, metal part at the end of the string is simply wedged in the groove of the adjuster, so you can easily remove this as well.

Spread a cloth to avoid damaging the instrument.

Spread a cloth to avoid damaging the instrument.

Return the tuning peg to the peg box, put the end of the new string in the adjuster, and thread the other end of the string on the tuning peg and wind it up. Be sure to wind the string from the inside of the peg box to the outside, and tighten it enough to properly place it on the bridge. Once all the strings have been replaced, check and adjust the position of the bridge, and then tighten one string at a time to tune it.
This is not difficult work, so at least try doing it yourself first!
The E and A strings break easier than the others, so it is advisable to always keep an extra set in the case.

Turn the peg to wind the string.

Turn the peg to wind the string.

Musical Instrument Guide : Violin Contents

Origins

Structure

How to Play

How the Instrument is Made

Choosing an Instrument

Care and Maintenance

Trivia