Instrument Setup

Fingerboard

The fingerboard isn’t just a flat surface; it has an arch as well as a concave scoop along the length. We make sure each 100% ebony fingerboard has the proper curvature on each axis to prevent buzzing. Fingerboards are finished with a fine micromesh to feel smooth to the touch. 

Bridge

The bridge is an essential channel for vibrations to travel from the strings to the body of the instrument. We carve our high-quality maple bridges with the proper thickness, height, and arch to ensure proper string height (action).

Nut

We pay special attention to the nut; this small piece of ebony is so important! After hand-carving the nut to a standard string height at the top of the fingerboard, we notch evenly spaced grooves that aren’t too deep to prevent buzzes.

Pegs

Pegs should fit snugly and be perfectly round. We use a peg reamer and peg shaver to perfectly shape the pegs to be the right length and fit securely. Peg holes are drilled far enough from the peg box walls and a special peg compound is applied to prevent creaky or sticky pegs.

Peg Box 

We ensure that the peg box is chiseled to the right depth and is finished with a black dye. If the pegbox is too shallow, the strings will get caught between the peg and the back of the scrollbox as they’re wound. 

Strings

Professional-grade D’Addario strings (or the strings of your choice) are cut to the right length and correctly wound onto the pegs. Steel-core or synthetic-core strings are installed based on your preferences and performance needs.

Fine Tuners

Fine tuners allow for precision tuning as you tighten or loosen the strings with a small screw instead of (and after) tuning with the larger pegs. We attentively install each fine tuner, attaching strings securely between the prongs. Composite tailpieces with built-in fine tuners are also available according to your preference. 

Tail Gut

The tail gut is a cord that holds the tailpiece securely to the end button. We make sure it’s the right length give the strings maximum room to vibrate while preventing the pointed end of the tailpiece from extending beyond the end of the instrument.

Sound Post

If you spy through the f-holes, you'll see this small, unassuming dowel on the inside of the violin. The sound post must be set in just the right spot to allow the instrument to fully resonate. The post must be cut to fit flush and make full contact with the face and back of the violin.

Chin Rest

We tightly secure the chin rest to the violin with cork padding to protect the edge of the violin. We make sure the chin rest does not make contact with the tailpiece to prevent buzzing.

Seams 

We ensure that all seams around the instrument are properly glued with hide glue, a woodworkers glue that allows instrument parts to be taken apart if repairs are necessary. Open seams can compromise sound and cause buzzing.