There is often some confusion surrounding string gauge and tension for bowed stringed instruments. For this article, I will concentrate on Violin strings, but the same principles apply to Viola, Cello and Bass. The gauge of a string is the measurement of its diameter or in other words, its thickness. This was easily measured in…
It’s a question we’re often asked: When should I change my strings? How long do strings last? It’s a good question to which there isn’t really a correct answer. As a consumer it wouldn’t be uncommon to think ‘they just want to sell me more strings’ but let’s look at it another way: Can you…
The new Pirastro Korfker shoulder rest is now freely available. It certainly looks very light and comfortable but it remains to be seen how players relate to it! A comfortable playing stance is so important and players often struggle to find the perfect shoulder rest/chin rest combination that gives the ultimate support. Pirastro have come…
My Violin/Viola has a ‘Buzz’ So, your violin new or old, has developed a buzz? From the start let’s distinguish between a buzz or rattle that you can fix yourself, and one which requires attention from your violin shop. Listed following are the steps you can take to fix the problem – but if these…
Why Do the Pegs On My Cello Slip? Traditional wooden pegs are a friction fit. On a well set up cello, they should turn smoothly and easily (although some strength is required) and should stay put! The simple fact is that they can and do slip which can be very frustrating. Let’s look at why…
Came into work this Monday and viewed the beautiful selection of Cellos comprising our ‘Cello Heaven’ …and then horror or all horrors there was a Cello with obvious signs of the dreaded woodworm! A brand-new Cello just arrived from a German workshop and with an active borer. What is woodworm or borer beetle? Woodworm is…
Practise, practise and practise a well known professional musician once said when asked what he does in his spare time! All very well you may reply but every time I remind my budding musician to practice it is perceived as a ‘nag’. I’ve often tried the positive approach – ‘well dear that was really beautiful,…
So you need a new Cello bow? From the start let me say that this article is intended for advancing players rather than professionals. We have musicians coming from all over the UK looking for the perfect bow – they spend hours testing, feeling, listening. These are bows from £1500 upwards! So, you have upgraded…
Just picked out a lovely old Cello labelled Jenny Bailly. Ever heard of Jenny? She must surely be the very first and most famous female Luthier of the last century. Jenny was the daughter and pupil of the famous Paul Bailly and Henley writes her instruments up – ‘strong tonal qualities – pure and homogeneous’.…
My string broke days after purchase – is the instrument faulty? We get it frequently: Panic-stricken Cello Mum on the phone – “I have just purchased this cello and the string has snapped. The cello is faulty and I want a replacement!” Broken strings are a common occurrence, due to a number of reasons: Firstly,…
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