Tying new balances on a violin or viola is a foundational skill that ensures your instrument produces a clear, sustained tone. Without a properly secured string, the tone will be thin, airy, and inconsistent, making it impossible to achieve the desired volume or expression. This process involves threading the string through the fine tuner, winding it around the peg, and applying the correct tension to keep it from slipping.
Preparing the Instrument and Materials
Before you begin, you need to prepare both your instrument and the new string. Start by loosening the old string completely to relieve tension on the peg box. Inspect the peg hole for any frayed string fragments or debris that might interfere with the new string's grip. You will also need a string winder, which significantly speeds up the process, and a small piece of chalk or peg compound to increase friction.
Threading the String Through the Peg
The first critical step is to thread the string through the tapered hole in the peg. Create a small loop at the end of the string and insert it into the hole. As you push the peg back into the peg box, gently twist the peg so that the string wraps around itself, ensuring the string does not cross over itself. Proper alignment here prevents the string from knotting inside the peg box as you tighten it.
Winding and Securing the String
Once the peg is fully inserted, begin turning the peg away from the scroll to create initial tension. Use your string winder to rotate the peg quickly, keeping the string winding in a neat, parallel fashion. It is vital to wind the string over the thick part of the peg (the shaft) and under the thin part (the head) to create a "headstock wrap" that locks the string in place.
Applying Peg Compound and Tension
As you wind, apply small amounts of peg compound to the contact points between the string and the peg. This substance increases the friction coefficient, preventing the string from slipping out of tune. Continue winding until the string reaches the nut, ensuring the coils are tight and evenly spaced, with the string ball or loop resting securely against the peg.
Fine Tuning and Stretching
After the string is wound, use the fine tuners attached to the tailpiece to bring the pitch up to standard. You will likely need to tighten the string significantly, which will cause it to stretch. To stabilize the pitch, grab the string at the bridge and pull it upward firmly away from the instrument. This stretching reduces the likelihood of the string going sharp again as it settles overnight.
Final Adjustments and Maintenance
Once the string is in tune, check the angle of the string in the nut and bridge slots. The string should sit cleanly in the groove without excessive pressure, which can cause squeaking. For the first few hours, re-tune the string frequently as it continues to stretch and settle. With consistent practice, tying new balances will become a quick and reliable part of your maintenance routine.
