Viola A Strings

If your viola A string keeps breaking near the pegs or near the tailpiece, it could mean there is extra friction being applied to the string, causing it to break or snap. We recommend having your viola examined by a luthier (string instrument repairer) to avoid breakages in the future. When fitting any new strings to your viola, be sure to slowly tighten the string to avoid breakages.

Using a soft graphite pencil, ‘colour’ in the corresponding groove on the bridge and at the top of the fingerboard (near the pegbox). This will ensure the string slides smoothly through these contact points and does not catch on any part of the instrument. Insert the plain end of the string into the corresponding peg hole. Tighten the string by winding the peg away from you. Keep the other hand pulling the string away from the peg to maintain tension on the string. This will keep the string ‘straight’ on the peg. Cross the string over itself once at the start of the tightening process and then wind the remainder of the string towards the peg ‘head’ ensuring that it remains neat on the peg. This will ensure that your pegs do not continue to slip and that they are easily tuned.

You can refine the tuning with the use of a tuner or tuning fork to help you find the correct pitch. When tuning a small amount, you'll only need to use the fine tuners. If the string is largely out of tune, it is important to always lower the pitch using the peg before trying to raise it. This will ensure that your string does not get over tightened. When using the fine tuners, turning them clockwise ensures the pitch is raised. If you turn it anti-clockwise, the pitch is lowered. ‘Lefty-Loosey, Righty-Tighty’ is a great rhyme to help you remember.

If your viola A string sounds squeaky, it may mean that you need to use less rosin on your bow, to prevent a raspy tone from occurring, or you may need to replace your string. Strings are crafted using precious metals and materials that deteriorate over time. If your viola A string is over a year old and sounding squeaky, chances are it needs to be replaced. Book an online or in-store appointment with us to determine the source of the squeaking sound today.

If your viola A string sounds "bad", it may mean that you need to use less rosin on your bow, to prevent a raspy tone from occurring, or you may need to upgrade your string. Strings are crafted using precious metals and materials that deteriorate over time. If your viola A string is over a year old and sounding bad, chances are it needs to be replaced. We recommend Pirastro Tonica, Larsen and Pirastro Obligato A strings if you're wanting a warm tone. If you're wanting a brighter tone, we recommend Pirastro Evah Pirazzi, D'Addario Kaplan Vivo or D'Addario Prelude A strings.

Here at Simply for Strings, we fit any string purchased from us to your instrument for free. We'd be more than happy to show you our tips and tricks along the way so you can also learn more about changing and fitting strings to your instrument. Appointments and walk-ins are welcomed at any time at our Brisbane store.

The size of the viola strings we sell are indicated at the end of the product title, ie. 12"-13", 13"-14", 15"-16.5". If there is no size indicated in the title, this indicates they are for a "full-size" viola, or 15"-16.5". We recommend purchasing strings that have been manufactured for the viola size you play on, so the playability and tension are optimised for your instrument.