How to repair a string instrument

There are many problems that string instruments can experience. If you own one, you should know what these problems are and how you should handle them. Some are easily fixed at home, while others require a trip to the repairman's.

Broken hair on the bow: If only one or two hairs have broken, simply pull or cut them off. This happens from time to time because the hair gets stressed out from playing, being put in the case incorrectly, or being pulled on. If hair is falling out more regularly, though, and is getting noticeably thinner, take the bow to a repairman and have it rehaired.

Broken string: Remove the bottom half of the string; nothing holds it in place but tension. Then, find the peg that the string is attached to and turn it until the string is unwound. Then remove it and throw it away. To replace the string, push the top end (the braided end without any metal) through the small hole in the correct peg. Then, begin to wind it carefully, making sure the winding is neat (it should NOT cross over itself or be haphazard). Once it has been wound a few times, insert the bottom on the string into the small hole in the tail piece. Hold it there and continue winding until the tension is enough that it will stay. Make sure it is lined up in the groove on the bridge. Tighten until it is in tune. If you are uncertain on how to do this, take it to a music shop and ask a professional to do it.

Bridge collapses: If it has fallen but is NOT broken, it can be fixed at home. Loosen all of the strings until they are fairly lax. Put the bridge back in place (it should be about 1.5 inches away from the fingerboard on a violin; proportional on all other instruments) and hold it. The bridge is held in place by tension alone; never glue. Tighten both outside strings until they are holding the bridge in place. Then, tighten the inner strings and retune the instrument. Make sure that the bridge is upright and not tipped. If you happen to notice that the bridge is tipping, adjust it before it falls. This can be done with the strings still tight, but they will need to be re-tuned afterwards.

Bridge breaks: Go see a repairman and have him fit a new bridge to your instrument. Bridges come in different heights and degree of curve, so only a professional should do this type of repair.

Sound post falls: If you hear a piece of wood rolling around and rattling inside your instrument as you pick it up, look inside it. If there is a small, cylindrical piece of wood rolling around, it is your soundpost. Do not play it; take it immediately for repairs.

When loosening the bow, the metal piece suddenly comes out and the hair comes off the bottom of the bow: This is supposed to happen if you loosen it too much. Pick the frog back up and put it back on the stick (you will see an open place in the stick where it fits in). Then, place the metal screw back in the end of the bow and tighten it. Remember not to loosen it quite so much next time. Also, make sure when you put it back together, the hair is not twisted. If it is, take it apart and untwist it.

A loud, strange buzzing sound occurs while playing: First, make sure that nothing is interferring with the vibrations, such as a towel over the instrument or anything else that could be touching the strings. If that's not the case, look for places where the instrument has come unglued. This will usually occur along the sides, where the seams are. Take it to a repairman immediately and have it re-glued.

The instrument sounds dull and lifeless: If there is a sudden change in the sound, check for ungluing or cracks. If the instrument is cracked, take it to a repairman and have him fix it immediately. To prevent cracking, keep a humidifier in your case and don't expose it to extreme temperature changes.

Bow stick breaks: Buy a new bow. There is no way to fix this.

Instrument becomes sticky with dust and rosin: Get some instrument cleaning solution (only a product specifically marketed as string instrument cleaner; other things can ruin the finish) and use a soft cloth to clean it. Then, polish it.

Strings are gummy with rosin: Pour isopropyl alcohol onto a soft cloth and wipe the strings on all sides. If this does not remove most or all of the residue, change the strings.

Bow is so full of rosin that it squeaks on the strings: Either have the bow rehaired, or clean it at home. Use liquid dish detergent on a tooth brush through the bow hairs. Remove the hair from the stick by completely removing the screw at the end of the bow. Use water and isopropyl alcohol to rinse, and let the bow dry before you put it back together.

Bow seems to glide over strings and squeaks a lot (especially when new): Needs a LOT more rosin. Sit down and rosin for ten minutes or so.

If you ever notice that something "seems" wrong with your instrument, check it carefully for problems and take it to a repairman if you are uncertain. It is always better to be safe than sorry!