Southwest Strings - String Installation

Step 1: Before installing strings, rub bridge and nut grooves with a #2 pencil. This allows the strings to slide easily and prevents breakage.

Rubbing the nut with a pencil (the same
procedure should also be performed on the bridge)

Step 2: Install the string into the tailpiece or string adjuster as appropriate for the string type, using the ball or loop end of the string. Steel strings can be installed into string adjusters, but gut and synthetic core strings should be installed into the tailpiece due to their elasticity and thicker windings.

Inserting the string into the tailpiece end

Step 3: Place the other end of the string all the way into the peg string hole, leaving a bit (2-3 mm) sticking out the other end of the hole.

Placing the end of the string in the peg hole

Step 4: Wind the string from the center of the peg towards the peg box wall. Be sure not to overlap the strings and avoid winding against the side of the pegbox since this may cause the string to break.

Winding the string while keeping it from the edge of the pegbox

Step 5: Finally, bring the string up to pitch slowly.

Final tightening and adjusting the string for pitch

Final tightening and adjusting the string to pitch

Gut strings can be confusing for first time users. On lower pitched gut strings, the core is too thick to wrap around a ball. Instead there is a knot and a loop at the tailpiece end. However, this loop isn't intended to function like a loop end on an E string; rather the end of the string is tied into the knot and its function is to keep the knot and the string from unwinding.

Use the knot as if it were like a ball end and install it directly into the tailpiece. Higher pitched strings, such as the violin A string, are usually wound on a ball. Again, install the string directly into the tailpiece. The violin E string that comes with gut core string sets has a metal composition and a string adjuster should normally be used for this string.


	Home > Learn More > String Information > String Installation String Installation Strings should be replaced one at a time. This keeps the bridge in place, avoids drastic changes to the top of the instrument, and eliminates the possibility of the soundpost falling or moving. For proper tuning, using the pegs is sufficient. However, string adjusters may be used with steel strings. The elasticity of synthetic and gut core strings require installation directly into the tailpiece. These strings are tuned with the peg. In addition, never force a string into a string adjuster or tailpiece. Resistance indicates that the groove is too tight to accommodate the string and breakage may occur. Consult a local luthier to address these problems. See more information about string types. Installation Steps Step 1: Before installing strings, rub bridge and nut grooves with a #2 pencil. This allows the strings to slide easily and prevents breakage. Rubbing the nut with a pencil (the same procedure should also be performed on the bridge) Step 2: Install the string into the tailpiece or string adjuster as appropriate for the string type, using the ball or loop end of the string. Steel strings can be installed into string adjusters, but gut and synthetic core strings should be installed into the tailpiece due to their elasticity and thicker windings. Inserting the string into the tailpiece end Step 3: Place the other end of the string all the way into the peg string hole, leaving a bit (2-3 mm) sticking out the other end of the hole. Placing the end of the string in the peg hole Step 4: Wind the string from the center of the peg towards the peg box wall. Be sure not to overlap the strings and avoid winding against the side of the pegbox since this may cause the string to break. Winding the string while keeping it from the edge of the pegbox Step 5: Finally, bring the string up to pitch slowly. Final tightening and adjusting the string to pitch Installing Gut Strings Gut strings can be confusing for first time users. On lower pitched gut strings, the core is too thick to wrap around a ball. Instead there is a knot and a loop at the tailpiece end. However, this loop isn't intended to function like a loop end on an E string; rather the end of the string is tied into the knot and its function is to keep the knot and the string from unwinding. Use the knot as if it were like a ball end and install it directly into the tailpiece. Higher pitched strings, such as the violin A string, are usually wound on a ball. Again, install the string directly into the tailpiece. The violin E string that comes with gut core string sets has a metal composition and a string adjuster should normally be used for this string. Feel free to link to this page for all non-commercial or commercial purposes, however the contents of this article are © Southwest Strings 2003-2012 and all rights are reserved. (So please don't copy our content!)