Music Stands- The Wood, The Bad or The Ugly

Written by: Stefan Aune

In the music world there are few things as irritating as those cheap, collapsible wire and metal music stands. They are difficult to put together, they don't hold enough music, and once assembled they tip over at the slightest touch. Practicing or performing with your music on one often amounts to

Violin,Viola & Cello Pegs - Tips for a Peaceful Coexistence

Written by Andy Fein, luthier at Fein Violins,
Angela Newgren, and Amy Tobin

Having trouble with your pegs? Here are some tips that might help, whatever the problem is!

Be sure you are applying even pressure on the scroll. This means supporting the opposite side of the scroll when you are turning and applying pressure to a tuning peg. For example: If you are tuning the A string on a violin, make sure your left palm is applying pressure to the pegs of the G and D strings. The even support keeps

Electric Violins Part I - The Pickup Artist

 Written by Amy Tobin, violinist and manager of Fein Violins:

It's really hard to stand in front of a microphone and play. You have to be close enough, but not so close that the mic hits your violin, you have to stand pretty still when you play,  you have to sometimes maneuver your bow around in different ways, and sometimes you want to sing at the same time. Well, lucky for you (and me!) there are options.

There are two basic ways to go about plugging in so you and your beautiful sound can be heard; pickups and solid body electric violins. This post will cover some of the basic information for pickups.

E Strings....What's the Deal?

Written by Amy Tobin, violinist and manager of Fein Violins:

Ah, the E string. It is both bane and boon to a violinist, and the type of E you use can tip the scales in either direction.

Yes, it is true that you can buy your favorite brand of violin strings in a set, E string and all. So why a special post specifically for and about the E? Well, picking an E string can be a little like standing in the middle of the cereal aisle at the supermarket. A seemingly endless array of choices when all you really want is a good, healthy breakfast!

When Should I Change My Strings?

Written by Amy Tobin, violinist and manager of Fein Violins:

So, you've been playing on that violin, or viola, or cello of yours for awhile when you suddenly break a string. You bring it in to the shop to have it replaced and they ask you "How long ago did you change your strings?" 'Geez,' you think to yourself 'I don't think I've ever changed them.' If that's what you're thinking, then it's definitely time!

One of the most basic parts of a string instrument, the strings, tends to be the most overlooked. Most new players figure if it's not broke, don't fix it! While this may be true in a lot of other instances and situations in life, it is not true when it comes to violins, violas, and cellos.