Question about what to do when the strings are too close to the fingerboard?

Instruments: My violin strings are now way to close to the fingerboard after a repair and I cant play. Is it possible to adjust the neck back to normal?? Or should I just get a higher bridge??

From Julio Noble
Posted April 28, 2012 at 11:46 PM

Hi everyone,
I have a question about what to do when the strings are too close to the fingerboard making the strings vibrate against it.
So recently my violin's neck detached from the body and after I got it fixed the neck is now so high that the strings vibrate against the tapes (yes... i still use tapes hahaha) on the fingerboard causing it to play the note of the tape instead of the one I'm pressing for. Originally my violin had the strings rather low (and I feel quite comfortable playing like this, its easier to play high notes on the E string) but they didn't vibrate against the tapes. I mean the where "normal low" now they are "way too low"... My questions are:
Should I buy a higher bridge? and where could i buy bridges bigger than 4/4 cuz mine is already 4/4.
Can a neck of a violin be adjusted to meet the player's preferences and needs??? Or is there a standard measurement for the height between the strings and the fingerboard that all violins should have??
I love my violin and I want it back to normal again... I will appreciate all your answers. Thanks :)
P.S: Sorry for my bad English... :^/

From Paul Deck
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 12:29 AM

You need help with this from a luthier, because as you know your strings are held in two points that determine their distance from the finger board -- the bridge and the nut. Shimming up the whole nut is pretty easy, you can experiment with that yourself just by putting a piece of an index card or two in between the nut and the neck.

Use a ruler and measure the distance of your strings from the fingerboard at the end. What number(s) do you get?

From Shawn Boucke
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 12:31 AM

The neck is pretty much set. You need a bigger bridge. All 4/4 bridges are blanks that are too big for the instrument, and must be fitted. Just bring it back to the shop where they did the fingerboard (If you trust them), and they should be able to help you out.

(Try without the tapes. You can always put them back on)

From Julio Noble
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 01:21 AM

Ohhh!!! Now I get the fitting bridge thing... I thought all 4/4 bridges where ready to use... Any good bridge brands you recommend????

From Brian Lee
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 02:13 AM

All the luthiers I know (in NYC or otherwise) use Aubert DeLuxe. It isn't so much the bridge itself, though, as compared to how well it's actually fitted to the violin.

From Carlo Ballara
Posted on April 30, 2012 at 06:55 PM

The nut could also be changed or lifted. If you just put on a higher bridge you may find playing in 7th position and higher more difficult. Try putting a shim under the strings on the nut (paper or cardboard). If this fixes the problem you could have the nut changed or lifted by a luthier.
Cheers Carlo

From Carlo Ballara
Posted on April 30, 2012 at 06:57 PM

@Paul. Sorry, I didn't read your post as you covered my comments there.
Cheers Carlo

From Mark Place
Posted on April 30, 2012 at 09:10 PM

Recently had the nut shimmed on my daughter's violin. It was the right thing to do. The fingerboard probably should not be messed with and if the bridge hasn't been left out of position or suffered some other form of abuse, you are probably better off leaving it alone too. I have a good friend who works on some high end violins and shares info with me quite readily, thank God!

From Jim Ondracek
Posted on May 1, 2012 at 04:53 AM

I would think that the luthier who originally repaired your neck may have not completely cleaned all the glue off of the mating surfaces when he refitted your neck. I would bring it back and explain the problem you're having and ask him the correct it at his expense. If he refuses I probably wouldn't go back there again. Next time you have your violin repaired ask if they have a practice room and play for 5-10 minutes to make sure the repair is to your expectation and feels "right" to you.

Question about what to do when the strings are too close to the fingerboard?

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