Replace strings in one session, or not?
I'm playing in an orchestra concert on 13 June and I've decided to treat my violin to a new set of strings a week or so beforehand, as the ones I've had on the instrument have been on for 2 years.
My usual method has always been to replace each string (one by one of course!) in a single go. But someone said to me recently that it is better to say start with changing G string, play that in for a few hours/day or so, then change the D string, play in as before and so on.
How would this make any difference? Does it make any difference? Or is this just another violin string "myth"?
I'm sticking with my usual reliable Dominants but thinking of trying out a Pirastro Universal E string "No. 1" on the top instead of the Obligato gold-plated E that I've got on it at the moment. Anyone else using this combination on an excellent quality old instrument?
Replies (6)
If you don't change them all at once, you will spend 3 times longer with one or another string stretching to its stable, equilibrium length.
If you only plan to change one or two strings anyway, then it doesn't matter.
When I buy a set of strings, I eventually change the whole set at one time - at least the lower three. I have often used an E string of a different type.
As one who has had a string break during a concert (48 years ago) - that is a concern of mine.
Andy
Andy, thanks for that - it is exactly what I was thinking when my friend was enthusing about doing things her way instead.
I shall stick to the tried and tested method.
Dear Rosalind,
You should change all your strings at once, one after the other (in order to keep bridge in position) as you have been doing. If you leave a mix of new strings and old ones even for a week or so it will affect the balance and the harmonics of the set. The response and tone of new strings chane dramatically over the first couple of weeks. To illustrate this, if a string breaks (other than the E string) after a new set of strings has been in place for a week, string manufacturers recommend you change G / D / A strings as otherwise you loose the benefit of having new strings on your instrument. I usually recommend musicians change their strings 3-4 days before a concert, to allow the strings to settle before the performance.
Hope this helps!
Marc
Thanks Marc, that is a very helpful explanation. Johannes the Violin will be getting his nice new strings put on tomorrow!
Change them all doing one at a time...and do it about a fortnight before your concert
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May 20, 2010 at 01:11 PM ·
I am not sure it matters which way you do it. I am not sure what the advantage is to doing the strings one at a time. The main thing to remember if you are changing the strings all at once is to change them one-by-one to avoid the soundpost falling. However, maybe someone out there can give a good reason for doing it the way you normally do.