The tonal quality of your violin affects how hard you have to work to produce the desired sound. Whether the tone is robust and clear or distorted and unimpactful depends on numerous factors. Here are a few tips to improve the tone of your violin. 

How to Improve Your Violin's Tone

1. Pay Attention to Bow Hold and Use

How you hold the bow will affect your comfort while playing the violin as well as the instrument's tone. To avoid too much tension, keep all joints soft and pliable, maintaining as natural position as possible.  Producing a good forte requires a combination of weight, speed, and parallel contact points.

2. Decide How Much Rosin to Use

Rosin is necessary for string instruments to produce audible sound. Applied to the bow, it creates friction when the bow hair run against the violin strings. Rosin helps grab the strings to aid in creating a clear, clean sound. Using the right amount of rosin matters, as going overboard could result in a scratchy/muddy tone. Using too little will make the sound soft and whispy. As a general rule, start with five slow, heavy long strokes and decide whether to use more or less depending on your preferences.

3. Replace the Strings

When violin strings are old and worn, you need to apply more pressure to create the desired sound and the instrument may sound out of tune.  This is the time to invest in new strings. Different strings contribute to different tone qualities.

4. Play on an Instrument With Good Set-up

Rent or purchase a good quality instrument and bow that is professionally set up and in good condition.  If you are playing an instrument that is below your current level, it may be time to upgrade.  

Whether you are a beginner violinist or a professional musician, The String House in Rochester, NY, is home to an impressive inventory of high-quality musical instruments. Serving clients in Upstate New York and around the world for over 50 years, the string instrument store carries fine cellos, violas, and violins. See a list of the available fine instruments online, and call (585) 442-9272 to speak to a knowledgeable representative.