The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #87227   Message #1626994
Posted By: treewind
14-Dec-05 - 03:59 AM
Thread Name: Violin conditioning
Subject: RE: Violin conditioning
Unless it's very obviously weak, (like damp/rotten, big cracks, joints coming unglued etc) it should be fine. Make sure the sound post is in place - they can fall out when the strings are off. Also look down the fingerboard from the scroll end and make sure it is central and not warped. If it's not perfectly straight it may not play so well but it will be usable.
If you're really nervous about it, wind your new strings up to a bit less than full tension and keep an eye on it for a day before tuning to concert pitch.

There's not much that can go wrong, and there's not much that can't be repaired either.

Then - play it lots! The tone will improve...

Anahata