Violin Bridge

Congratulations on choosing this ANTONI violin and we trust you will have many years of pleasure playing the instrument. However, before playing you will need to fully prepare the violin. In order to do this we have detailed below a simple step by step guide to help you obtain the best possible sound. 1 - SETTING THE BRIDGE INTO POSITION The bridge has been factory fitted prior to despatch. However, should the bridge have moved out of its correct position during transportation we would recommend you follow these simple instructions: Check the diagram (1) to see if the bridge has moved out of position, and if the bridge has moved out of position then follow instructions 1a to 1c.

1.

1a - Slacken off all the strings so they can be placed either side of the fingerboard. Do not completely remove the strings.

Bridge Thickest groove

G

Thinnest groove

D

A

E

1b - Position the bridge (feet touching the instruments top) in an upright position centrally between the two inner 'nicks' of the 'f' holes on the top of the instrument. See diagram 1 for correct positioning. Note: The bridge has four different sized grooves to accommodate the four different thicknesses of strings. The thickest groove (G string) should be on the left hand side of the instrument and the thinnest groove (E string) should be on the right of the instrument. (If the bridge is uncut then first you will need to make the grooves using a sharp bladed tool or knife). 1c - Starting with the G string (thickest), place this string into the relevant groove on the bridge and carefully tension the string by turning the appropriate tuning peg. Do not overtighten. Repeat this procedure for the remaining strings. Your bridge should now be held in an upright position.

2 - TUNING YOUR INSTRUMENT Now the bridge is in its correct position you should now tune your instrument to concert pitch. To help you tune your instrument correctly we would suggest you tune each string to the corresponding note on a piano, organ, tuning fork or pitch pipe. 3 - PREPARING THE VIOLIN BOW The hair on the violin bow when used for playing should be taut. 3a - To tighten the bowhair turn the button on the end of the bowstick clockwise (see diagram 2) until the bowhair becomes taut. Do not overtighten as such could damage the bowhair and/or the bowstick.

2.

Approximately the width of your little finger

Turn button clockwise to tighten

3b - As a rule, tighten the bowhair so that there is a gap (approximately the width of your little finger) between the bowstick and the underside of the bow hair. 3c - Apply rosin (supplied) to the bowhair by running the block of rosin along the length of the bowhair several times. Note: If you do not apply sufficient rosin to violin bowhair, the violin strings when played will not respond correctly. This is because the rosin creates the friction between the bow and the strings which in turn is transmitted through the bridge and amplified through the body of the instrument. (Tip: Score the surface of the rosin block several times before applying to the hair). 3d - After playing we recommend that the violin bow be slackened off to prolong the life of the bow and ensure it retains its correct shape. Do not overslacken.

IF YOU NEED ADVICE ON THE SET-UP OF YOUR VIOLIN CALL OUR HELPLINE ON 0113 2320082 John Hornby Skewes & Co. Ltd., Salem House, Parkinson Approach, Garforth, Leeds LS25 2HR, U.K.