Violin Forum/Message Board

GligaLeftHanded · Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2012 10:45 am Post subject: GDAE beginner

I have a quick beginner question or two. I have tuned the strings for G,D,A,E however I wanted to know if it is better to make the strings tight or else to have them loose because I think that it can be set up either way. I bet that if they are too lose than they will get out of position quickly. I'm not sure if this is an intelligent question, nonetheless it is what was on my mind.

LSOviolinist · Posted: Sun Apr 01, 2012 2:37 pm Post subject:

GligaLeftHand, I am not sure if I understand your question. Are they new strings? If they are, they will require some time to settle into their designated tone. If they are not, do not release the tension from the strings when you are done playing! This is not a common practice and can lead to problems on your instrument, like moving the bridge out of position. The only instance of string tension release that I can think of, is written by Carl Flesch, the great violin pedagogue. He states that to refresh the sound, the instrument can be slightly detuned after practicing. I have never done this and I do not know any other professional instrumentalists who do, so keep your strings tight!
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- LSOviolinist

Lemuel · Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 12:59 pm Post subject:

LSOviolinist · Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 7:51 pm Post subject:

Lemuel, I believe he thought that by reducing the string pressure on the body of the violin, it would allow the instrument to refresh itself and breath. Another interesting tip that he wrote about was to swish dried beans within the body of the instrument to pick up dust and refresh the tone. This is written is his book, "The Art of Violin Playing"
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- LSOviolinist

Mat Roop · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 11:47 pm Post subject:

GligaLH ...Are you possibly referring to tuning the instrument 1 octave lower???
Not sure that is even possible... never tried it
Normal is open A 440
Cheers, Mat