When you are new to the world of music and string playing, it can seem like a never-ending stream of new words and phrases are constantly being thrown at you! An entirely new language is apparently required to be able to communicate effectively, but in truth it’s all fairly straight forward and simple! Setup is the process of making sure that your string instrument will work properly. If you have bought it from a reputable source, you should start out with it in perfect playing condition! If not, then a visit to a good luthier - that’s someone who makes bowed string instruments, other words that could be used are artisan, atelier, or if you are lucky, violin maker!
A good setup will involve a well carved bridge that matches the instrument, particularly the contours of the belly and the fingerboard, making the string height optimal and spacing them correctly at the nut and bridge! The fingerboard will also be shaped well. Pegs will fit correctly and run smoothly, and the neck of the instrument will be at the correct angle! The tailpiece and other fittings, each varying according to the instrument, will all be of good quality and adjusted for optimal placement, and the soundpost will have been adjusted to ensure a sound of good quality. These factors will all make for easier playing, optimal sound, and facilitate you achieving the most out of your instrument and playing!
At Millers, like all reputable dealers in bowed string instruments, we pride ourselves on sending out both our rental and purchased instruments in good playing order, or with good ‘setup’! We also have a blog advising you about things to look out for when buying an instrument, and this should give you a more specific guide as to what you are looking for in terms of good setup!
Now, over time your instrument will be subject to certain amount of wear and tear! Strings will deaden, losing their ‘ring’! Bows will lose hair and that remaining will lose its ability to produce a good sound! Bridges may move or warp, seams come unglued and begin to rattle. Tuning pegs may become stiff to turn, and if you are very unlucky a tailgut may break or a soundpost come dislodged! Rather than try to repair any of these issues yourself, it is advisable to book your instrument in for its ‘service’, where the setup will be checked and adjusted.
Where to go for this ‘service’. If it was your car, you would usually take it to a garage, as they are the experts in car maintenance. String instruments also have experts trained in maintaining them, and we find ourselves back to the luthier/atelier/artisan violin maker again, or the establishment that sold or rented us the instrument! Many people do not think of getting their setup checked unless something appears definitely wrong with the instrument, but very much like having an annual car service (or one so many 1000s of miles), it is far better to maintain a regular service routine with your instrument! Prevention is usually better than cure, so an annual or biennial maintenance check is advisable. It is a good idea to build up a regular relationship with the person maintaining your instrument, as they will get to know the type of player you are, the sound you like, and be able to work with you to adjust your instrument accordingly.
Go by recommendation! Other players and string teachers in your locality will know who they like using, and if you are lucky enough to have purchased an instrument from the maker directly, and they are fairly local, that is the most obvious choice. Your local string retailer will also be able to assist you, either maintaining the instrument themselves or directing you to an appropriate choice. Make sure that you get an estimate of the costs involved before committing to having the work done, ensuring that you stay within budget!
There is nothing quite like playing on a regularly serviced instrument with good setup! An instrument that works well will be easier to play, more responsive, have a better sound, making the experience of playing it more enjoyable! Hopefully, over the years, you will build up a strong relationship with someone that will keep your instrument in great working order, leading to many years of happy, fulfilled music making.
Want to book a service or repair today? Click here to go to our repairs request form.