How to Install Loop End Strings

March 17, 2017 at 12:23 AM · Bassicaly, there are two types of E strings. There are the common ball end strings which you insert the ball into the fine tuner and pull tight. Then you insert the string and wind it into the pegs.

Loop end strings are quite simple. You put the loop over the tuner and keep it tight. It should rest in the little groove of the little metal rod. If the little metal rod has two ends, put the loop around both of them. Then you insert and wind the string into the peg.

Loop and ball end strings require different types of fine tuners, but some tuners are now hybrids which can use both.

This should help:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzU7Vm0XN-o

March 17, 2017 at 01:52 AM · I have gear pegs too and I still used ball-end strings. I know what you mean about the silk on the strings making it hard for them to fit in the slots in the tailpiece. I just widened the slots a bit with a small file. Voila!

March 17, 2017 at 02:01 AM · ™ - When I used loop-end strings I put them on the tailpiece both ways you described and if I recall correctly I did not find either shortened the life differently - but I was playing more then and I pretty much changed my strings before they broke. But if I could hazard an guess, I would estimate that holding the string by the knot under the tailpiece might end its life sooner because of contact with the tailpiece material.

March 21, 2017 at 10:58 PM · Thank You Mr. Victor. I received my strings, Tonicas. However, to my surprise, only the E string is looped. The other three have ball ends. However, I was lucky. Tonica strings are thinner than Dominants so they fit in my tail piece slots. Would anyone give a estimate (hours) on how long to break them in? On my violin, right now, brand new, they sound muffled with little ring to them.

March 22, 2017 at 01:53 AM · Only E strings come in ball and loop ends. All other strings will be ball end.

March 22, 2017 at 03:08 AM · If I start to try different strings, I guess I will have to get my tail piece slots expanded then. These Tonica strings sound a little better after fours time on them but are still expanding. So far, they are darker, on my violin than Dominants.

March 22, 2017 at 12:46 PM · Opening up the slot in the tailpiece with a small file is what I'd do if the slot was way too narrow for the string's overwrap; I wouldn't take it off. The first thing I'd try, though, would be to flatten the overwrap with flat-jawed pliers and see if that would fit in the slot. The E string usually isn't a problem, and I'd only use a loop-end if I was going to use a Hill-style fine tuner.