Violin Forum/Message Board

Toortanga · Junior Member Joined: 10 Jul 2012 Posts: 4

Hello,

I just noticed that my tailpiece is not aligned straight along the centerline. It has to do with the string tensions being different on the left and right sides. Is this anything to be concerned about? The difference is quite noticeable even after changing the E-string between light, medium, and heavy gauges.

I don't ever recall this happening before...maybe the more flexible kevlar tailgut rather than the stiffer nylon tailgut I used to have has something to do with it. But it's the first time I picked up my violin after a few years so I can't really say. Like during restringing the tailpiece will very noticeably be pulled ahead or backwards on one side depending on what string is currently off.

Michael Darnton · Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2012 7:41 pm Post subject:

If the tailgut is centered on the saddle, I wouldn't worry too much. There's a lot of strange geometry going on down there.

Of course, the final decider is the sound. How's it sound?
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Toortanga · Junior Member Joined: 10 Jul 2012 Posts: 4

Sometimes it's really wild when the E-string is tighter and pulling everything to it's side- it makes the lower strings really crazy to play and full of hollow surface noise.

Medium kind of does this too.

Light gauge E strings makes everything look more balanced and the lower strings respond better but the light E-string sounds really bad.

Michael Darnton · Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2012 8:45 am Post subject:

If I were going to blame anything, I wouldn't blame the tailpiece: I'd pin this stuff on the kevlar tailgut. I like kevlar on cellos, but not on violins because of the type of tonal results you're having.
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