At first blush, most people think the Italian, French or English violins, the ones that they most likely can never own. The majority of people I talk to think the very best violin is an original Antonio Stradivarius. And that may be. But what violin is practical for the average violin player? Can lesser-known violins Read More …

Too much rosin causes a raspy sound and makes a mess on the violin. Round rosin should be turned as you apply the rosin, as it wears the bow hairs more evenly. Rectangular rosin should be used against each edge and the middle alternately to keep the rosin flat hinder getting a groove and wearing Read More …

How much does one need to know about violin rosin? A good luthier could just hand it to you. But what if you had to decide? Rosin is made from pine tree sap. One hundred types of sap qualifies. Pine trees are tapped just like maple trees are for syrup. Dark rosin is harvested primarily Read More …

Stubborn or frozen pegs can usually be be freed up by turning them backwards first. If not, bring them into the shop and we can get them free and productive again at little cost. Pegs that slip can usually be fixed with a drop of alcohol where the end peg and the outside scroll box Read More …

Have you ever wondered what the exact tightness of the bow hair should be? I certainly have. I suppose that this is one of these areas that are not taught so well, as they seem insignificant. I was taught to “tighten it up to here!” Problem for me was that I never could relate, or Read More …