Tuning the violin

June 19, 2012 at 11:45 PM · Is it possible that the offending string was old and it was just it's time to go? In which case your face was just in the wrong place at the wrong time? If that's the case, there's not much to be done there. Close your eyes when tuning?

If your strings are old, they can and eventually will break. Either during playing or during tuning. Many violinists never let their strings get old enough to break due to lack of elasticity because of age. If you can, change your strings according to the calendar (or your ear if you have the expertise to hear "old" strings). How much "exercise" you give your strings will determine how often you need to change them. If you keep track of how often you change them you will eventually learn that you can go X amount of time before you should put a new set on. Obviously, if you play a lot, you will need to change strings more frequently. Remember, there's nothing like a new set of stings. Once you get them "played in" they sound great.

Not sure if you are close to a major metropolis or not, but you should get your instrument in front of a good Luthier, have them show you how to put new strings on your ax and how to properly tune it. A true professional shouldn't have a problem teaching you how to do this. Once you know how, you will never have the problem you described again. Additionally, there are several good YouTube vids on how to do the deed. But, I'd recommend finding the Luthier and having them show you. You should be able to Google "Luthier and your city or area" to find one.

After you get the string thing down, go here to keep them in tune: http://www.fretlessfingerguides.com/violin_tuner.html .

Maybe a different way to look at the "fine tuner" issue is to let your ear do the deciding. If you hear a violin that makes your ear stand up and say "hey that sounds really great", it doesn't matter what the tuner setup is like. You will adjust to whatever tuning mechanisms your instrument has. It's all about the tone and how it feels. When you take your ax to have the Luthier do the strings, ask them about the tuner issue. A good Luthier is a great source of info for all things violin.

Good luck, have fun and good playing to you.

June 20, 2012 at 03:22 PM · Easiest way would be to have someone show you. Maybe online, via skype? I wouldn't mind- message me.

Also, there are ways to string it better so the pegs are easier to grip. You want the string length to be correct so that the pegs go up-and-down when they're at their final position.

I understand about the string snapping-happened to me once when I was a kid and I still am a little cautious when stretching up a brand new string. :)

June 20, 2012 at 05:53 PM · If the peg is sticky/hard to turn - be sure to make your initial attempt at turning it in the direction of loosening, rather than tightening, so if the peg suddenly comes unstuck and moves you won't accidentally overtighten the string.

I also had a string break and hit me in the face when I was a child, and have been paranoid about it ever since, even though it's never happened again. I figure that since I wear glasses, at least it won't poke my eye out.... :)