Some tips for replacing violin/viola strings:
- Replace only one string at a time.
- Lubricate the string grooves in the bridge and nut with the lead of a graphite pencil so that the strings may glide over them easier.
- Ensure that the string is wound around the peg in a way that brings the string in contact with the pegbox wall. This helps the string stay in tune, and also increases the instrument’s resonance.
- When tuning the strings up to pitch for the first time, gently lift the string off the bridge by pulling upwards between the bridge and the tailpiece. This will prevent the winding from buckling or crushing at the bridge, and more evenly distribute the weight of the string.
- If using gut strings, bring the strings up to pitch gradually.
- When using a steel E string, use the rubber grommet that came with the string to prevent the string from cutting into the bridge. However, do not allow too much of the grommet to hang over the fingerboard side of the bridge, which would dampen the vibration of the string.
- Use Hill-style fine tuners, other types use a mechanism that may protrude downward and scratch the belly of the instrument.
