Mendini 4/4 MV500+92D Flamed 1-Piece Back Solid Wood Violin with Case, Tuner, Shoulder Rest, Bow, Rosin, Bridge and Strings - Full Size

The bridge is a very important piece because it transmits the sound of the violin. The tension between the strings and the top of the violin keeps the bridge in place. Bridges are not glued on the instruments. Keep in mind that not all players have the same size hands and fingers making the size of the bridge different for every player. The bridge can be customized by a violin luthier in order to draw out a better tone from the violin. If the bridge is not set, follow these simple instructions. First, position the bridge with higher side of the bridge under the lowest string, the G string. Tilt the bridge up under the strings toward the tailpiece and set it at a 90-degree angle. If the bridge cannot be tilted, the strings are too tight. Loosen the strings slowly and just enough to hold the bridge in place. Align the feet of the bridge with the two notches of the "F" holes and align the bridge evenly with the fingerboard. Evenly spaced out the strings on the bridge. To tighten the strings, turn the pegs clockwise while pushing them towards the peg box for better grip and stability. If the pegs are slipping, use peg drop oil to lock the pegs in place or use rosin powder as a substitution.

Gradually tighten each string in the sequence of G-D-A-E. Starting with the thicker string is to prevent damages to the thinner A and E strings. Tighten one strings at a time, and only 1 to 2 notes higher. Do not tighten one string all the way to the desired pitch while leaving the other strings very loose. Doing so will create unequal pressure on the bridge causing it to fall. Generally, strings take time to wear/settle in. New strings tend to lose their tension quicker than older used strings. To accelerate the process of wearing in new strings, tune the strings to the desired pitch then slightly pull on the strings to stretch them out. After pulling on the string, most likely it will need to be re-tune. If the string pitch is sharp (high) loosen the string slightly until the string pitch is flat (low). Slightly tighten the peg until desired pitch is reach. Adjust the pegs to make larger adjustments and the fine tuners to make smaller adjustments.

The pegs can shrink or expand due to the temperature and humidity changes. When the peg shrink, it will not fit the peg hole as well as they were originally made. It will leave a little gap between the peg and peg hole. This is why the pegs slip. Simply apply the rosin powder or peg drop oil on the pegs and peg hole. This will fill the little gap in between and increase friction. New strings will require some stretching before they settle in and hold pitch. Slightly pull the strings upwards to accelerate the settling in process. Keep in mind that adjusting the pegs make larger adjustments and the fine tuners make smaller adjustments. Periodically, check the violin s tune. Depending on the weather (temperature and humidity level), the amount of time and type of playing, the violin may need to be re-tune. In ideal conditions, this would not be necessary.