Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2003 15:20:00 -0500

dear sir,
I have anew violin , and know nothing about it, but would like to.
I realize ,I will have to have instruction on how to play this lovely instrument, however, until that can be arranged, I'd be happy just to be able to set it up , so I could hear what it sounds like. Anything you could offer would be kindly appreciated. Sincerley Bob

Greetings Bob,

Setting up a violin can be a simple procedure, if you have some kind of visual aids along with descriptive instruction.

Unfortunately, trying to explain how to set up a violin by e-mail can be problematic at best.

My suggestion would be to take your violin down to a local music store...where someone can set it up for you...this shouldn't cost more than 20.00 or so to do...This way they can add peg drops to the pegs to prevent slippage, they can test for structural flaws, and they can tune it up to pitch for you...this would also be a good chance for you to purchase an electronic tuner...of which someone there could teach you how to use.

The only other option would be to consider purchasing our "Intro to the Violin and Fiddle" video which does teach how to properly set up the violin, install the bridge, fix the pegs so that they don't slip, tuning with an electronic tuner, and priming the bow when first getting started.
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page3695.htm

You're also welcome to use our free violin lesson section...which includes a few tips on setting up the violin bow:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page3.htm

Hope something here is of some help to you...Mickey

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Date: Sun, 23 Nov 2003 19:32:11 -0500
Subject: RE: Fwd: RE: Fwd: looking for a violin recommendation

Hi Mickey-

Greetings Ed,

So if the fittings are apart to ensure safe shipping, will it not be a problem if you put it together before it ships to me?

I believe this is more of a precaution for shipping overseas...every import violin we receive requires set up...bridges are always put away and strings are always completely loose. We've found that most every customer of ours requires the violin to be set up upon arrival...otherwise, they have to take it to their local music shop to be put together.

Sounds like a contradiction. But if not a problem, I would certainly prefer to have it done. 

We haven't had a problem ourselves...fortunately...we set up each and every violin so that it's ready to play. Usually all that's required upon its arrival would be to fine tune it...before we ship, we even install peg drops on every peg to prevent slippage when tuning...Tradd, our in-house luthier, will even prime the bow for you.

Mickey