Need help changing your viola strings? Try our simple tips below.
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Tailpiece & fine tuners
Changing Viola Strings Tips
The four strings on the viola are: C, G, D, A. Visit our viola tuning page to learn how to tune these strings to the correct pitch.
If you need assistance deciding which strings to use, visit our music store strings page with helpful information about different types of strings.
When replacing all of the viola strings or stringing a viola for the first time, violists generally replace one viola string at a time. Do not remove all of the viola strings at the same time, or the soundpost could collapse.
If for some reason you do need to temporarily remove all four strings, insert a soft, clean cloth between the fingerboard and the body of the viola to prevent the soundpost from collapsing.
Although the order you replace viola strings isn't critical, many violists start with the C string, and work their way up to the A string.
If the viola string you’re installing has a fine tuner, insert the ball or loop end of the string over the tuner cartridge in the tailpiece, and pull the viola string toward the bridge.
If the viola string does not have a fine tuner, insert the ball or knotted end of the string through the tailpiece string hole, tug firmly to make sure the knot or ball is securely in the slot, and pull the viola string toward the bridge. You may need to hold the ball or knot in place with your finger while increasing the tension of the viola string as you turn the peg.
Slightly pull out the peg the viola string will go in until the peg hole is just inside of the pegbox. Thread the end of the viola string through the peg hole (let the viola string slightly protrude), and evenly begin winding it.
Push the peg in as you're turning the viola string to keep the peg from slipping.
Beginning violists often find it useful to have tuners for each viola string.
When replacing all of the viola strings, violists often tune all of the strings to an approximate correct pitch, then do the fine tuning to get each pitch precisely in tune.
Be aware that when you put on all new viola strings, it will take more adjusting than usual for several days to tune the viola (gut strings can take even longer to break in or settle).
If your pegs are slipping or are too tight to securely adjust the strings, you may want to purchase peg compound (also called “peg dope”), an inexpensive commercial product. Peg compound will not only lubricate the peg, but it will also provide enough friction so the peg will not slip. When using peg compound or any other product to help with sticking or loose pegs, use it sparingly because a residue can build up over time (some violists avoid these products).
To apply peg compound, remove the string from the peg, and slide the peg out of the pegbox. Apply a small amount of peg compound to the part of the peg that contacts the pegbox and reinsert the peg. Turn the peg a few times to make sure it turns smoothly. Wipe off any excess peg compound before restringing the peg.
If you don’t have peg compound and need a temporary quick fix for slipping or tight pegs, you may want to try tips some viola teachers use: for sticking pegs, pull the peg partially out, and rub pencil graphite on the sticking part of the peg. For loose pegs, pull the viola peg partially out, and rub birthday candle wax on the peg to help it stick (some teachers recommend chalk to help pegs stick, but it's abrasive).
Many violists find it helpful to have extra set of viola strings on hand in case a string breaks.
Viola strings can significantly affect the sound of your instrument. You may want to experiment with different brands to determine the sound you like best on your viola.