Reminder of current Hours & Appointments 2024
Our hours are by Appointment through May.
We will be announcing summer hours soon!
Please check our Booking Calandar HERE for the most up to date availability.
We will be updating the hours regularly.
CONTACT US:
Click “Contact Us” on our our home page
We will be monitoring our email, form submissions and phone messages 816-252-5656
———————————————————————-
We are sorry for any inconvenience and appreciate your your understanding.
The Wyatt Violin Shop Team
Holiday Hours 2023-2024
Holiday Hours for the Wyatt Violin Shop
“Holiday hours and Closed Dates”:
Closed Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Closed Wednesday, December 27 2023
Closed Thursday, December 28, 2023
Closed Friday, December 29, 2023
Closed Saturday, December 30, 2023
Closed Tuesday, January 2, 2024
NOTE:
Please check our website at www.wyattviolin.com for more information. Please check our capandar to see times available for appointments. The website will also have other information about products.(we are working on these things as well as adding some new faces to our staff, and year end inventory etc. Many exciting things to come this year!
You can also email us at mail@wyattviolin.com
Or, leave a message at 816-252-5656 and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
SUMMARY:
-We will be open by limited appointments through the first quarter of the year.
-Please click on the appointment link on our website for further information and appointment availability.
Happy Holidays from the Wyatt Violin Shop!
Allen, Cheri, Heath, and Matt
Hours and Vacation days Closed June/July 2022
The Wyatt Violin Shop will be
Closed for Vacation
through the week of July 16th
(We will be giving our employees and our staff a much needed vacation).
Hours by Appointment:
Tuesday - Saturday
*Please see our online calendar to BOOK AN APPOINTMENT and for our current availability.
OFFICE HOURS:
T-F 10am-6pm
Saturday 10am-4pm
Closed Sundays and Mondays
We are fully stocked with Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, and all your rental needs.
FALL RESERVE
We encourage you to Reserve your Rental instrument early and pickup anytime before the start of school.
Visit our Appointments Page on the web to schedule a “New Rental Fitting”
(fill out rental information and schedule a time that works for you, to visit us).
Regarding Masks?
Jackson County has a mask optional policy, however, with the rise in COVID cases in Missouri we encourage wearing one when visiting the shop. They are available when you enter the shop, however, this is YOUR choice.
You may see some of our staff wearing masks. This is out of an abundance of caution and personal choice.
View this email in your browser
As a reminder….
We will be CLOSED for vacation
October 9th - October 22nd
View our newest Email Blast 10/1/2021
If you have an active trial, or a scheduled appointment, please let us know if we have not yet contacted you.
(Text us anytime at 816-252-5656 for quick answers and Reponses)
***We will be able to accommodate most appointments on Saturday the 9th***
Feel free to contact us with any questions and we appreciate your understanding! We will be implementing some things in the shop, making a business trip to look at a large collection, and also taking a vacation!
HOURS:
10:00am - 6:00pm Tuesday - Friday
10:00am - 4:00pm on Saturday
Currently by Appointment Only
Contact Us:
Online Scheduling Section of our website
Phone or Text to 816-252-5656
General Contact form on website
or email
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
ONLINE APPOINTMENT SCHEDULING
Rental Services ~ Repairs ~ Bow Rehairing ~ Shopping ~ Sales and more…
For sales Appointments, please complete the form online and let us know if you don’t see a time that works for you. We can accommodate.
For Active Trials of Instruemnts and Bows, there are appointments types under Shopping for returning, purchasing, and scheduling a 2nd trial.
NEW RENTALS
Secure “RENT ONLINE” OR Schedule an Appointment
Schedule an Appointment to Rent
ONLINE STORE!
Check out a selection of items available to purchase on our site.
We are working on a new Online Store, but checkout the items available to “Click & Collect”, or have shipped to you.
(using our temporary, secure online shop)
Other News!
We want to support all of our local teachers in the area and we are lucky to have so many wonderful instructors here in KC!
Feel free to contact us for recommendations in your area, and we hope to have a more comprehensive list of private instructors up on our website again very soon! CLICK HERE to learn more…
Also, Many of you have seen some new faces around and we will be introducing some members of our team soon!
Online Lessons:
MasterFiddle.com is the official instructional website of Fiddler and Multi-Instrumentalist, Justin Branum. The site also hosts live online workshops via Zoom, and we have guest teachers like Buddy Spicher, Ranger Doug, and Larry Franklin.
As a reminder,
we will be CLOSED
October 11th - Friday 25nd of October.
If you have active trials, need to rent or return, or have questions, please feel free to contact us!
Thank you all for your support and we are excited about many changes happening around here!
See you soon!
Many Thanks,
The Wyatt’s
Sign up for the Lee’s Summit String Rental Night Event and reserve your instrument!
Lee’s Summit String Rental Night Event
The Wyatt Violin Shop is proud to be a part of the Lee’s Summit String Orchestra Rental Event again this year!
We are proud to support our local schools and your hard working teachers to make renting the most convenient and easy way possible for you. Here is how to reserve and pickup your instruments this school year, at the event.
When:
Thursday, September 16th 2021
5:00pm—9:00pm
Where:
Lee’s Summit West High School
2600 SW Ward Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64086
The event will be housed in the LSW Fieldhouse
Timeline at the Fieldhouse:
5:00-7:00 p.m. for 5th graders
7:00-9:00 p.m. for 6th graders
Feel free to ring us or visit our shop to rent and “skip the line” by having your instrument ready for you to pickup in our “express lane” at the event. (It is not required to rent at the event)
To visit our shop to rent, 10 minutes north on 291 from Lee’s Summit,
please click HERE to make an appointment.
(To Rent and Have your instrument ready for pickup at your rental night, proceed below to reserve online)
Fill out the Sign Up form below to have your instruemnts waiting for you when you arrive! Or “Skip the lines at rental night” and arrange to pick up your rental from our shop, by appointment, at anytime.
Instructions:
1) SIGN UP below to have your instrument and accessories ready to pickup (save time!)
2) Arrive at the time window (5th grade 5-7pm and 6th grade 7-9pm)
3) Your rental and our Staff will be waiting to assist you and your items will be ready to pickup.
Please NOTE:
There are 4 vendors participating. So make sure to ask someone to point you toward where the Wyatt Violin Shop is when you arrive.
They will direct you with how to find us or just look for our Banner Sign!
RESERVE YOUR SPOT & BOOK ONLINE
New Online Appointment System!
Easy & Quick Booking
We are using appointments to facilitate a smoother and more streamlined experience, designed to facilitate ease of booking around your schedule.
*If you have a quick rental return for example, feel free to ring us short notice if you don't see a time that works for you, and we can accommodate.
Update to hours until the 15th of July 2021
WE WILL HAVE LIMITED HOURS AND AVAILABILITY UNTIL TUESDAY 6/15/21.
If you currently have an appointment set– you are still on our schedule, and we will see you at the scheduled time.
For any other service please:
Text or call us at 816-252-5656; or,
Visit our website, to:
-Learn more about our services
-Rental options and complete a Rental Application Form
And for instrument or bow shopping, please fill out our Appointment form to setup an appointment.
Wyatt Violin Operational hours for 2021 -
We will be reopening the week of January 12th, 2021
Your Health is Important to Us!
We are currently operating by private appointment only, and are maintaining a strict building capacity per county guidelines.
No walk-ins are accepted until further notice.
HOURS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY:
Tue - Saturday
Closed on Sunday & Monday
Curbside appointments are available for rentals and repairs.
For rental returns and exchanges, schedule an appointment here.
For repair evaluations, schedule an appointment here.
For instrument sales, schedule an In-Store Shopping Appointment here.
Clients will be asked to call when they arrive and to wait in their cars for their appointment.
Face masks are required while on the premises and non-contact temperature checks will be required upon entry.
Thank you for your understanding!
Appointments:
In order to provide the high level of service you have come to expect, we require making an appointment to help us prepare for your visit and take care of your needs promptly and efficiently.
Thank you!
Text Us for Fast responses!
Holiday Hours Update
Wyatt Violin Holiday Hours Update:
In observance of the Holiday, Wyatt Violin's will be closed December 24th and will reopen the week of January 5th, 2020. (***We will keep a close eye on Jackson County guidelines regarding Safety and it is possible we will be delaying opening until the 12th)
We will send out an email blast, post to our social media, as well as our blog with updates.
We can be reached during the Holiday break at 816-252-5656 by Text message or please visit our website and complete one of our Contact/Appointment forms.
Have a safe and joyful holiday season!
The Wyatt's
Wyatt Violin Update to Operations 11/21/2020
(Or our website Appointment forms when applicable)
Our business number is now text able!
816-252-5656
or
Please fill out one of our Appointment Booking Requests
Our hours are by Appointment Only still, since March, and we appreciate your understanding so much.
We still offer in-store appointments for clients that are shopping for instruments, those in need of more in-depth repair/adjustment consultations, and of course to more accurately size young musicians for rental instruments.
These limited in-store appointments are really the best way for us to do our work efficiently while keeping ourselves and our clients safe.
We have also seen a rapid uptick in inquiries regarding our inventory now that so many students are on prolonged winter breaks and have significantly more time to shop for instruments. In anticipation for this, we are listing instruments on our website that are available for purchase or curbside pickup.
If you are interested in shopping for an instrument or bow, please make an appointment by emailing us at mail@wyattviolin.com, texting us at 816-252-5656, or filling out our Instrument and Bow Trial Request form on our website...this is the best way to initiate a trial....whether In-Store or Curbside.
We are doing everything possible to ensure safety of staff and clients.
We will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday, and that Saturday as well.
Have a wonderful holiday!
The Wyatt’s
Rental & Sales Appointments “Curbside” & “InStore”
ALL SERVICES & SALES are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
If u are looking to purchase and want to use your rental equity, we can accommodate the musician with up to 2 other people.
We ask that you wear a mask. There is a mandatory ordinance in place in our county and we want to keep everyone safe, while still providing the service you have come to expect.
Each appointment is up to 90 minutes maximum time slot. If you need two slots, please contact us.
(We have to juggle curbside appointments along with in store with a small staff so thank you for understanding!)
Contact us:
Text or Call 816-252-5656
Fill out our Appointment Request Form
Online and Phone Rentals - we can guide you through and you simply p/u, or order completely on web and chose your day to pickup and time! Easy.
delivery, curbside pickup, shipping
Is the Wyatt Violin Shop Open?
We’re Still Here to Get you All the Needed Essentials
&
We are Open by APPOINTMENT ONLY.
(Please fill out our Appointment Request Form or Ring us at 816-252-5656)
Our current status:
Most services are available for Curbside Pickup & Drop Off only.
ALL SERVICES and SALES are APPOINTMENT ONLY
If you need an “In-Store” appointment, please give us a heads up of a few days to prepare.
We have safety measure in place that include all cdc recommendations as well as our own. Our shop is simply not big enough to accommodate walk in traffic and we are rearranging. Moving benches upstairs and building out our main Showroom. So “In-Store” sales are in a Trial Room in our main workshop area. “Quarantine Trials”!
We disinfect constantly through the days and maintain clean working environments.
Temperature of employees is taken upon entry everyday. And we are working hard to stay safe and keep you safe as well!!!
Sales
“In-Store” sales appointments are available. We can accommodate 1-3 people max and only ONE trial at a time. (A section of our back workshop is setup nicely for Instrument and Bow trials.)
Also for those of you stepping up and purchasing an instrument with your rental Credit.
CLICK HERE to see some options (as we develop our online store, we have listed a few items on this site.
“In-Store” Sales Appointments are currently ONLY for Instruments & Bow Shopping, or for using your Rental Equity to purchase. (Shopping for Accessories can be arranged, however, we only have one trial room available at the current time.)
“Curbside Sales” Appointments - Ring us or fill out the appointment form. A sales associate will ring you back to discuss your situation and we can select instruments for you to “Trial”. Simply having them ready for you to bring to show your teacher if you do not feel comfortable with an “In-Store” trial. (requires a phone call to discuss needs)
Online Sales - we will be launching products soon to buy online. We have a couple items listed on this website now
Repair
Our workshop has not stopped since march, working on repairs, our inventory, and more. Bow Rehairs are available by curbside Pickup/Dropoff (as well as most other repairs). Rental Checkups and Repairs are Curbside dropoff/pickup. Contact us about your Repair or with any questions.
Rentals
(Rent your instrument here and pickup curbside or have it delivered.)
As the cases of COVID have continued to rise, some schools are opening and many are not, we appreciate your understanding that we are focused on safety first!
We are still here for you!
(Masks are required as well as hand sanitizer available).
Appointment Only
Sales
Repair
Rental
and More…..
We are fully stocked!
Rent or Purchase your Student Violin Outfit in time for School!
As we add products to our online store, instrument outfits like the Angel Taylor model 110 violin, with our WVS Protege bow and our 497 case, make an excellent purchase option if you would rather own than rent. We have a very liberal trade-in/Trade-up policy…up to 100%!
Simply purchase below and pickup at our shop Curbside when your order is fulfilled!
This instrument is “Teacher Approved” and is a big stepup from most rental programs.
(We have many Student Models in this price range and when our full store launches, many other items will be available online. Please ring us if there is something you are looking for, we probably have it!)
The Angel taylor 110 makes an excellent beginner/Step-up violin.
As most of you know, we are very picky with the new instruments we carry!
COVID UPDATE MAY 19th
COVID Curbside Service and updates, May 2020
May 19, 2020
UPDATE On COVID-19 Preparedness and the Wyatt Violin Shop.
In response to the guidelines set forth by the State of Missouri and Jackson County, we feel we need to let everyone know that our projected “roll-out” of “Phase I” will be revisited by us the end of May or beginning of June. We are communicating with musicians and area teachers to be able to advise you and serve you the best we can while keeping everyone safe!
““The Wyatt Violin Shop Now Offers
Curbside Services by Appointment”
Tuesday - Friday 1-4pm
Saturday 1-3pm”
This post contains the latest updates about the guidelines for Jackson County regarding the COVID-19 preparedness plan and how it compares to our current Wyatt Violin preparedness plan.
The safety of our staff and customers is our priority. Our staff is small and in order to meet and exceed the guidelines set forth by Jackson County, our hours and business practices will be set as follows:
• Our goal is to be open to In-Store clients asap. Our current hours are listed above and we plan to expand those hours when we are safely able to open In-Store sales appointments.
• Appointment Only for Rentals and Repairs – with curbside pick-up/drop at this time. We will make every effort to serve your needs, while keeping employees and customers safe.
• Social distancing will be maintained by customers and staff at all times, as will preventative measures including masks, hand sanitizer and gloves where appropriate.
Please call ahead at 816-252-5656 or fill out our Appointment Request form to make arrangements. We are doing our best to meet your needs with our “Curbside Services”.
Watch our website for the roll out of our Online Store. Use it to purchase accessories, instruments and even select rental instruments – and schedule curbside pick-up and drop-offs. We are also working on a website devoted to making an online rental process easy for you. With curbside/in store Pickup, Local Deliveries, Shipping, and more.
As we develop these systems, we hope you understand that our decision to open the shop back up to In-Store clients is dependent on the safety of our staff and you with regard to COVID precautions. We are constantly monitoring the situation and are in touch with local schools. We are waiting to hear, as many of you are, when (and if) schools will open back up in the fall. We thank you for your understanding.
For Instrument & Bow Sales appointments, please fill out our Appointment Request Form. (Sales appointments Curbside, on a Case-by-case basis)
Curbside pickup and dropoff service is available for:
All Items available for purchase.
Instrument & Bow Repairs
Bow Rehairs
Accessories
Cases
New Rentals
Rental Exchange or Sizeup
Rental Checkup
Warranty Repairs
Instrument and Bow Trials
(available but limited)
Again, one of our biggest aspects of focus currently is on launching our commerce store, and getting a form on the website that makes renting a new instrument as easy as it can be for you! (And SAFE)
The Team at the Wyatt Violin Shop
Wyatt Violin Shop
2418 East R.D. Mize Road
Independence, MO 64057
Phone: 816-252-5656 Shop
816-721-5649 Cell Contact (Text)
Email: mail@wyattviolin.com
Website: www.wyattviolin.com
UPDATE from the INDEPENDENCE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
More Updates regarding the Corona Virus
Extended Social Distancing Protocols til May 15th
Last Thursday (April 16th), Jackson County extended the Stay-at-Home order until May 15. Like the previous order, the new order requires people to stay-at-home except for doing essential activities, such as grocery shopping. Non-essential businesses will remain closed.
We are working hard to develop things like Curb-Side pickup and Drop-off. Currently, we are helping in anyway we can while practicing Social Distancing and following the orders of Jackson county fro “non-essential” businesses. We will be rolling out some exiting new ways to facilitate our ability to support and help our community of musicians, teachers, students, and family and friends.
We are thinking of all of you and please feel free to reach out. We are monitoring emails and the telephone from home.
ATTENTION RENTAL CUSTOMERS:
You can ring us at 816-252-5656 or simply update your payment information with the secure link below.
Click Here to Update your Billing Information
For any other Rental or Installment related questions
Or ring us
(816) 252-5656
How do I sanitize my instrument or bow?
Wyatt Violin Shop COVID-19 Updates
“Hello, Wyatt Family,
I have heard a variety of ways to sanitize string instruments, but I was wondering if you could share with me how you sanitize your instruments in your shop? What is safe to wipe on the instrument’s neck/fingerboard? Thank you in advance for your help!”
The Question above is one of many we are getting from musicians, local teachers, and others. Below is our attempt to suggest some answers. The best thing you can do, really, is -Be Responsible: Do not lend your instrument to others unless absolutely necessary. The less the instrument is handled and away from your control, the less it is exposed to possible contamination.
Cleaning Orchestral Instruments for Virus/Bacteria
Cleaning your instrument takes on a whole new meaning during the COVID-19 health concerns. The following information is designed to explain and clarify what we can about this process.
I. You should always use your cleaning cloth every day to remove rosin, hand prints, and dust from strings, chin rest, fingerboard, and the surface of the instrument.
-Also, wipe down the bow with the cloth.
-Vacuum your case to remove dust and rosin chips.
The above tips are recommended on a regular basis. However, while we are doing all we can to protect ourselves and others from spreading the COVID-19 virus – consider doing extra to provide even more protection.
II. To enhance your cleaning process, add a cleaning agent that contains ingredients that help to kill viruses and bacteria.
STEP 1 – THE INSTRUMENT
*****DO NOT USE THE ALCOHOL ON THE VARNISH SURFACE****
A. What to use: Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol 70%). Apply with small cotton cloths very sparingly. Make the cloth damp but not dripping wet.
(DO NOT USE ALCOHOL ON THE VARNISH SURFACE, SEE BELOW IN PROCESS)
Alcohol wipes are another option. They are available in most cleaning supply stores, and will provide a cloth that is less likely to drip. (Cover your instrument and all varnish areas to protect from any drips etc.)
B. The Process: Fold the dampened cloth to make sure you focus only on the parts described below.
Alcohol when applied properly can help kill viruses and bacteria, but Alcohol can damage the varnish on fragile instruments.
So - DO NOT USE THE ALCOHOL ON THE VARNISH SURFACE.
Use the Alcohol ONLY ON:
-The chin rest, and shoulder rest
-Strings – also helps to remove rosin. Wipe carefully along the whole string.
-Fingerboard
-Pegs – the end part used to turn the peg.
-Neck (that part of the neck you touch while playing)
Step 2 – THE BOW
A. What to Use:
Alcohol (as described in Step 1)
B. The Process: Apply as follows:
-Wood Bows: use the alcohol on the frog and the grip only. Use your regular cleaning cloth (Dry – no alcohol on the cloth) to wipe down the stick. Some bows react differently to any solvents on the wood.
-Carbon, composite or fiberglass bows: use the alcohol on the frog and the stick. Be careful to not touch the hair with the alcohol and use alcohol sparingly.
Step 3 – THE CASE
A. What to use: Alcohol (as described in Step 1); for case surfaces you can also use Clorox wipes effectively. Lysol spray may also be used for case surfaces.
B. The Process: Apply as follows:
-Wipe the handle and latch, bow holders, inside compartment handles and any other place you touch regularly with the alcohol or Clorox wipes.
-Use the cloth to wipe down the exterior of the case.
-Lysol spray can be used – sparingly to sanitize larger areas inside the case. Make sure to remove the bow and instrument while doing this step. Allow the case to dry and vacuum the inside before placing the bow and instrument back into the case.
In addition to cleaning your instrument, bow and case:
IMPORTANT TIPS
-Good Hygiene: We recommend that you wash your hands with soap and/or use hand sanitizer before touching your case, bow or instruments. Do this regularly and the need to sanitize the instrument is greatly reduced.
-The Instrument: While holding the instrument, try not to touch the varnish. Hold the instrument by the neck with one hand. Only touch the chin rest, shoulder rest, and pegs (all can be wiped down with the alcohol later when you clean it). Use the “dry” cleaning cloth on the varnish and refresh the cloth regularly (most cloths are machine washable).
-The Bow: While handling the bow, try to limit your handling to the frog and the grip. Never touch the hair; and always hold the bow by the frog and grip – not by the stick.
-The Case: Never set the case on the floor. Viruses and Bacteria is tracked on the floor with shoes. Sitting the case on the floor can contaminate the case. Keep the case clean and dry. Follow cleaning tips in the Step 3 above.
-Be Responsible: Do not lend your instrument to others unless absolutely necessary. The less the instrument is handled and away from your control, the less it is exposed to possible contamination.
We look forward to the day that virus spread is under control. Our thanks to teachers and students for working together on this issue.
THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO IS WASH YOUR HANDS
and follow recommendations from our local governments and the CDC!
*These tips are distributed with the best intention to aid in the effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. We want you to be safe. The tips are meant to be a temporary solution and normal cleaning and instrument care will be sufficient for the long-term future - after the virus spread is contained. Improper application of the methods described above may cause damage or void warranty terms. 04/20/20
To Our Customers regarding COVID-19 and how to purchase and tips
Updates from Wyatt Violin regarding COVID-19
To Our Customers:
In compliance with the Kansas City area Stay-At-Home order, the Wyatt Violin Shop is temporarily closed to in-store visitors. We will maintain in contact with our customers via phone messages (816-252-5656); email mail@wyattviolin.com; and our website www.wyattviolin.com.
For certain services, we will be able to provide curbside pickup and drop offs. Please check with us for availability. We will also be implementing an online store, or at least an expanded online catalog, with options for purchasing our products.
We want you know that that we are here for you, as always, to support and assist you in your pursuit of music.
Please check our website, www.wyattviolin.com, for progress. If there are any products, strings or accessories you need from our shop that are not currently available on our online store, please email us at mail@wyattviolin.com and we can fulfill your order through email.
Unfortunately, until further notice, we are not accepting instrument or bow repairs or rehairs while the shop is closed.
Fine Instruments for Examination and Trial
The Wyatt Violin Shop offers the most extensive catalog of fine bows, violins, violas and cellos in the mid-west, crafted by modern and old-world masters.
While we are temporarily closed, we still offer trials for examining fine instruments and bows to qualified buyers by way of shipping for our-of-area customers; or, curbside pickup for local customers.
If you are interested in seeing an instrument or bow, simply press the “Make an Appointment” button on the website, fill out the form specifying that you are interested in trying an instrument or bow. List a contact phone number and we will respond as soon as possible to work out a plan to meet your needs.
Safeguards
Please be assured that best practices of sanitation and safe handling are being observed while fulfilling your orders. This has always been the case.
Our first priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of our customers and staff.
Please remember, however, that players utilizing alcohol-based hand sanitizers should not handle instruments. Wipes, chemical cleaners and disinfectants should not be used on instruments.
We look forward to better times and our primary concern is to do our part to keep our employees and all our customers safe! We will continue to update you with innovations and plans to continue to serve your musical needs.
ADJUSTING A VIOLIN (Checklist)
ADJUSTING A VIOLIN (Checklist) from the workshop of the Wyatt Violin Shop
ADJUSTING A VIOLIN (Checklist)
EXAMINE the violin overall.
Note what needs to be REPLACED, or is missing. For example, we may decide to replace the original equipment strings with Helicore, the fine tuners with a Wittner Tailpiece, and the tailgut with a "Sacconi." If the bridge is a poorly cut, mushy one, we will choose and fit a hard one, a genuine Aubert or similar. Collect the materials needed.
REMOVE the strings, bridge, tailpiece, chinrest, endpin, and soundpost. Leave the pegs in for now to avoid interchanging them.
NOTE: The order of the next three steps may have to be altered. For example, a nut may have to be removed so a fingerboard can be properly planed.
Check the FINGERBOARD for the curvature and lengthwise concavity ("scoop") and correct it if necessary. This is often overlooked on student violins and causes no end of buzzes and botheration. A straight board is nearly tolerable, especially in the lower positions, but one that droops toward the bridge is not. Such a warp may occur when an instrument is shipped with the strings down tight against (instead of alongside) the fingerboard, or is packed too tightly. Also lift up on the lower end of the fingerboard to check if it is loose. This hidden problem is a frequent cause of neck warping.
Check the fingerboard PROJECTION at the bridge line (between the inner soundhole notches), about 27 mm high on a normal 4/4 violin. If it is too low you may decide to "reset" it by loosening the upper half of the front, placing a shim between the base of the neck and the front, and regluing. (In more extreme cases, reject the violin - it was made wrong.)
Check and correct the string NUT as necessary. They are generally too high on new factory fiddles, making them hard to play. File the nut down to about a mm above the fingerboard, and sloping down into the pegbox. Recut the grooves as needed about 5.5 mm string center to center, but all the grooves should be shifted about a mm toward the bass side. See the template in 'Useful Measurements," page 12. The string grooves at the nut (and at the bridge) should be about as wide as the string diameter, but only about 1/3 as deep. Use a "mouse tail" file. The string should rest "on," not "in" the grooves. Remove any sharp edges from the ends of the nut with a flat file, rounding them smoothly down to the fingerboard and pegbox. (On old violins the strings may be too low at the nut, causing buzzing. Make a new nut or place a shim under the old one so there is at least a quarter mm under the E string and a third of the string diameter under the others.)
Make sure the PEGS fit and operate smoothly and securely after applying Hills' peg compound. Pegs on new violins often fit poorly, are too long, are out of round from shrinking, have ugly sawn ends, have too small or wrongly placed string holes, etc. See "Violin Making, Step by Step," pages 62-64 for details of peg fitting.
Check the POST for correct grain direction, angle and fit of the front and back ends, and length. A too tight (too long) post can cause disastrous cracks as well as a cramped tone. See "Useful Measurements," page 23 for its position and adjustment. Reset it through the treble soundhole, then looking through the endpin hole to check that it is vertical. Also note: a good rule is that the post should be about as far from the bridge as the front is thick. This helps keep thin violins from tubbiness and thick ones from brassiness.
Install the FINE TUNERS into the tailpiece, insuring adequate clearance for ball end strings and checking that they operate smoothly. (A little beeswax is a great help.) Reinstall the endpin. Install the tailgut into the tailpiece, adjusting the knurled brass nuts so that, when under string tension, the lower end of the tailpiece is even with the lower edge of the saddle. Usually this will give about the right distance from the bridge to the tailpiece. Cut off excess tailgut length.
Fit the feet of the BRIDGE precisely to the front of the violin and at the right "backtip" angle. See the diagram in "Useful Measurements," page 22, and "Violin Making, Step by Step," pages 66-70 for details of bridge fitting. (You really need this book, or a good teacher, if you're new at cutting bridges.) The bridge height is set with the G and E strings temporarily installed. The upper edge, its curvature, thickness, and grooves are then completed.
Apply a little GRAPHITE lubricant from a No. 2 pencil to the nut and bridge string grooves.
Now install the STRINGS in the "upward pegbox" order, G, E, D, A. The strings are wound so as to end just snugly at the side of the pegbox, not jammed against it. This enables smooth, secure tuning, without danger of the peg coming completely loose. High quality modern compound steel core strings give excellent sound, are more stable and durable than the gut or synthetics, and are a better match to the convenience of fine tuners.
Select and install a suitable CHINREST. Many teachers do not recommend the flat "Guarneri" style for young students, however usual among performers. An "edu" or "low Teka" gives better security and comfort. Avoid the waffle-grid types. For those few students whose chin straddles the tailpiece, a "Flesch model without the hump" is recommended. SHOULDER REST selection is best left to the player or teacher, but don't stock any that damage the instrument.
Play it and adjust the bridge position and angle, post, etc. and don't put it on the shelf until it's right!
Celebrating 10 Years in our Current Shop Location!
In order to continue the high level of personal service you have come to expect from us, we strongly suggest calling ahead for an appointment.
This year, 2016, marks our 10th Anniversary in our current location!
We will be running specials this year so please sign up for our mailing list to receive exclusive deals! In order to continue the high level of personal service you have come to expect from us, we highly suggest making an appointment.
Hours by Appointment:
Monday - Friday 10:00am-6:00pm
Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm
(closed Sunday)