How To Set Up A Violin For the First Time Step By Step | Violin, How to Get Started

How to set up a violin for the first time step by step

1. Setting up the violin
0:03 How to install the bridge
0:51 How to turn the pegs
1:30 How to tune the violin
3:57 How to put on the shoulder rest

2. Preparing the bow
4:40 What to do with broken bow hair
4:58 How to tighten the bow
5:24 How to rosin the bow
6:34 How to wipe the rosin dust

3. Troubleshooting
7:30 How to put on a new string - My string broke!
8:43 How to soften the pegs - My pegs that are stuck or slippery!
9:23 How to soften the fine tuners - I have a hard time turning my fine tuners!
9:53 How to find the right shoulder rest - My shoulder rest is uncomfortable!
11:42 What to do when the sound post falls off - My sound post collapsed!

Product links:
Please note that this is not a sponsored video. Our goal is to help you with your setup experience, and not to sell products. That said, it’s worth mentioning that below are affiliate links, so if you are inclined to support us in this effort, consider using these links.

1. Strings
(Below links are for ball end strings for 4/4 size violins)

I have used this set find the sound decent enough for the price.

Dominant is very well made and tends to be the go-to for most serious students. The E string tends to be a bit harsh, so I recommend a set that includes a nicer E string, such as this one.

This is the one I use and is concert stage quality.

2. Peg compound
This one works very well and is easy to carry around in your case.

Chalk is recommended by many of the top luthiers. Any regular chalk should do its trick. Some people use soap too, but make sure it’s not wet!

3. Shoulder rests (The links below are for 4/4 size violins):
This is the one I use now and find it exceptionally well made. That said, everyone’s body is different, so you may need to try out a few different ones before finding THE ONE. Just remember that bigger price tag doesn’t mean more comfort when it comes to shoulder rests.

Everest doesn’t come in 1/16 size, so Kun would be an equivalent rest.

I find Play On Air to be the best cushy alternative in case you can’t find foam around you.

Beginning students sometimes don’t like the hard, cold feeling of the chin rest. Foam sheets are soft to the touch and has the grip necessary to stay in place, so much better than the commercial chin rest covers made out of cloth.

4. Rosins
(The difference in quality is seldom noticeable. Bernardel, Hill, Pirastro, Jade, etc. are all trusted brands at a similar price range. Most cheap rosins that come with the violin as a bundle tend to work just fine. Here are some recommendations though for those that are looking for specific picks)

This is the one I use and highly recommend it for smooth sound with a grip.

Note that I haven’t used this one myself but have known the brand as a solid budget option and wanted to mention for those looking for an ultra cheap rosin.

5. Hypoallergenic rosins
I used to have severe allergies, and this was a good one that is formulated for the sensitive folks in mind. If you don’t have allergies, go for the cheaper options, such as the brands listed above.

6. Wipe cloth and alcohol wipes
Here is a link, but any lint-free cloth will do
This is a very convenient option, but you can also just use any rubbing alcohol with tissue or cloth.

7. Tuners

Free Tuner App (Soundcorset)
Although these are wonderfully accessible, and even better, free, note that the tuner is not as reliable as the dedicated hardware. I recommend the app just to get started, but as you start your lessons, consider buying a real tuner, such as the one below

iOS:

I use this one primarily as a metronome, and love that it’s combined with the tuner.

[mikesanchez]

It's my childhood dream playing violin, but somehow started with acoustic guitar at the age of 15, now as life begins at 40 I hope it's not that too late for me to fulfill what I've been dreaming of during my younger years, I got my new violin at last, but a little nervous like having a new friendly dog that needs caring and loving both ways. Thanks for being a part of my first step of learning violin.😊👍😘

[jbachman]

What a great tutorial. My kid is learning violin through virtual school and her fine tuning pegs were spun the whole way in. This video helped me set up her violin and get it taken care. I also love that you start the tutorial right out of the gate. Skip the pleasantries! I'm here to fix this violin.

[sarahno.design]

Thank you for the kind tutorial. This is what I needed for my daughter!

[mayumiwardrop]

That's so nice and detailed.. I've been tuning them in the order of DGAE just because I thought to do one side then the other, but tuning the middle 2 first makes a lot of sense!

[heatherhart]

Thank you for creating this video! As a professional violinist and instructor, I have a couple of observations: 1.) During the "tuning" portion of your video, instead of saying "etcetera" while listing the string names and octaves (G3, D4...) I think you should finish saying the other two (A4 and E5). 2.) Also during the "tuning" portion: you should play the sound of the strings being tuned - how they go up or down, in or out of tune - instead of the children's tune "Skidamarink". Students should hear what you are doing so they can learn how to tune their violin. You should also explain what you are looking for on the tuning app, and what is happening on the app while tuning. (The needle or arrow indicating the pitch is too high or too low, then turning the peg or fine tuner a specific direction to tune the string while watching the needle or arrow move to the correct spot on the app.) 3.) For the shoulder rest: it does not keep the violin flat and secure on your NECK. Yes, you feel the violin on your neck, but the shoulder rest keeps the violin on your shoulder and collar bone. 4.) Shoulder rests: foam should not be the first option to choose if your shoulder rest is uncomfortable; instead, looking for another suitable shoulder rest (like you eventually cover) should be the first step. Also, foam pads should really only be used for children/youth beginners, and only for a short time. -- Again, thank you for this video! I would pass it along to my own students, but I need a video that helps with the tuning in a more detailed manner. (I am currently teaching online so I can't tune their instrument for them. I show them how to tune in their online lessons, but I thought a supplemental video would be helpful for them during the week, in between lessons.)

[taneishasharee]

I watched this multiple times!! You made it an easy process for me. Thank you!!!

[quit]

I have always wanted to play the violin and this Christmas I finally got a violin! Thank you for this detailed video!

[jhkn]

Thank for the excellent step-by-step lesson for the violin beginners. It is also helpful for the mothers of violin students like me.

[willowsparks]

2:15 sorry i needed a time stamp for myself

[richarddeleon]

You were so thorough when I want to know something I only see till the part I want, , , but you were so educated I saw the whole thing, plus your tone of voice is so feminine it almost put me to sleep, I thank people like you that are not selfish thanks 😊

[strxberrymoo]

I really appreciate this video. It was quick and straight to the point. I just picked up violin again after 6 years of not playing and I’m relearning the ropes so this really helped me out! 😊

[nolidcreations]

This is the first and only video I need to get me started... I am quarantined... Will turn this into a positive and pick up a new skill... Thank you 🙏🏾💜😊🎻

[mapleapplebom]

Thank you so much I just got my violin and didn’t know how to do anything so thank you for this wonderful tutorial!

[Ttelmis]

You came like heavenly intervention! I have bought my first violin and am waiting for it to arrive. I sat here wondering how I would set it up when, there you were .... a fairy godmother :) and showed me clearly all I needed to know for day one. Very many thanks, I still have my first lesson before me, but when I am a virtuoso I will mention you frequently :) Mind you, at 84 I might be leaving it a bit late to play catch-up

[jesserosenqvist]

Im just starting to play the violin and this answered many of my questions. Thank you!

[stene]

Thank you so much for this excellent tutorial. My daughter is just starting her first violin lessons and this kind of advice is pure gold for dads like me who know nothing about violin, but who anyway will be the person who needs to do all this :)

[GT.Bugger]

This was very useful. Being used to guitar and piano the violin is completely different, even the way you have to push the tuning pegs when turning baffled me and I thought I'd gotten a damaged violin haha.

[jo.a]

Thank you so much it was really helpful
Best violin video on YouTube ever ❤️

[abimiller]

thankyou so much for this video i was struggling how to tune my violin and this app really helped me.

[evangelineamalina]

Thank you for this details.. It really helped me in fixing my little one's Violin..