Keeping Your Fiddle Ship-Shape

During my stay in Vermont I happened into the very excellent violin shop in Burlington. Good thing I did.

After playing one of the luthier’s own instruments I remarked, ‘You know, the strings feel a little low on this instrument.’

He did a quick check on them, said they were spot on, and then measured mine. They were high enough to be on a cello!

Now, you’d think after 4 decades of playing that I’d sense when something was going amiss with my fiddle. Normally I would, but in this case it was a very gradual change. The neck of my violin was gradually sinking toward the top.

Actually I do prefer my strings about a millimeter higher than normal – but not three.

There was nothing to be done about this before my concerts, so I played with a little cello under my chin.

I’m relieved to know, however, that my beautiful Storioni is in good hands now, and will be restored to perfect health in another week or so.

The bottom line here is that it’s important to have a trained expert take a look at your instrument, now and then. But there are a few things you can keep an eye out for.

Take a look at your bridge periodically to make sure it is at a 90 degree angle from the top and shows no sign of warping. Also look to see whether the strings, particularly the e string, are cutting into the wood.

If you hear a ‘buzz’ while playing you may have a seam open. And no, you don’t want to apply glue to any part of your instrument yourself! Any obvious cracks on the top or back should be addressed as soon as possible to keep them from spreading.

If the fingerboard seems loose; or is easily moved by grasping the neck and applying some pressure; or the strings are either excessively high or low, then a trip to a qualified repair-person is in order.

The key word is ‘qualified.’ If there is any doubt in your mind, do a computer search for the ‘Violin Society of America’ and locate a member in your area. If you live away from a major city you can SEND your instrument via one of the shipping companies. Just be sure you know someone will be present to receive it when it arrives, and that it is packaged properly – your repair person should again be able to advise you.

Of course you’ll want to change your strings at least every six months – I rarely go more than three.

It’s quite comforting to play an instrument that is in good health and set up properly. Last week I was forced to put aside my concern and do what needed to be done. Fortunately the neck held.

Now, I don’t normally do this, but I was so impressed with the Burlington Violin Shop and its staff – they have all trained and worked at internationally recognized shops – that I will give you their website. It is; www.vermontviolins.com

Try to speak with Kathy if you call, and tell them Clayton sent you.