Ep. 16: Adjusting the Sound

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

This just confirms that I made a wise choice sending my violin to a violin maker for work and NOT a music store.

[@EdgarRuss]

Yessssss!

[@blood_and_violins]

So glad this popped up on my timeline! I checked my bridge distance and it also was off by 1mm but on the E string. I tapped it gently into place like you did in the video and all of the sudden my strings sounded perfectly balanced. I need to learn how to check and adjust my soundpost but just this simple change made a very noticeable difference in my sound! Thank you

[@willb3698]

Good Lord - through the KZbin Codec and my laptop speakers I heard the instrument open up by a huge degree on moving the bridge 1mm and re-seating the strings. Then the whole unit became ballanced with the soundpost reset. Beautiful job. Clear differences. Thanks.

[@EdgarRuss]

Thank you for watching!

[@MetaView7]

I can't believe it, I can actually hear the difference. :O

[@csmihaly]

It was absolutely amazing just to listen to him analyzing the sound quality. It was already perfect to me, yet, he was able to explain it for minutes. A true artist. Master.

[@davidbosak7503]

Edgar: This was excellent. Thank you so much for posting this demonstration. I've heard such micro-adjustments could make a big difference in the sound, but have not seen anyone describe how it is done. I could hear the difference very clearly. Really appreciate your cogent explanation.

[@EdgarRuss]

You are welcome, David! I am happy to know that you appreciate the video. Stay tuned and you will get to know much more. all the best ER

[@PaperGrape]

I'm an amateur who has enjoyed tuning my little collection of violins for the last 15 yrs. Two things: 1. This just scratches the surface of how to adjust sound. But.... 2. This is information (moving the bridge position, which direction he is moving the post) that most luthiers don't share. There is so much more that comes with his experience of what he's hearing, and seeing the little methods he uses to tweak the bridge placement and reset the string tension. Really just a joyful little video from a master. Thank you so much!

[@Benmendoza1]

Thank you so much Edgar. I watched your other videos on the correct starting position for the sound post, how a bass bar is made and fitted to a top. I also saw your video on how the sound post works with the bridge and top. I then set up my 1967 Hofner 3/4 contra-bass and adjusted the bridge position and the soundpost and discovered a whole new instrument! It has tone and power with beautiful growl and warm rich overtones....just fantastic. And all this with 3 year old Spirocores. I used a wire coat hanger as a sound post tool, and a piece of cardboard as a gauge to check bass bar and sound post locations. I wish I had the nice tools you used, as it would have saved me a lot of time. The whole job took me about 4 hours as I also had to fit the feet of the bridge to the top. But the results were worth it. I am sure I could not have done this job and achieved the good results without your helpful knowledge. Saluto Eduardo, chiao, from California. Joseph Jay Mendoza

[@EdgarRuss]

That makes me happy! All the best from Cremona In case you come to Italy stop by here at my shop. Always nice to meet new people.

[@laurencelance586]

Thank you for taking the time to show us how an adjustment is done properly.

[@carlosleon6080]

G 1:29 D 1:30 A 1:32 E 1:33 G 7:21 D 7:22 A 7:24 E 7:25 G 12:37 D 12:39 A 12:40 E 12:41

[@tomek9966]

Thanks for sharing unsharable knowledge! VERY USEFUL!

[@EdgarRuss]

Thank you so much! ER

[@Truthinhands]

I was wondering, what needs to be done to lower the intensity of very loud E string and relatively loud A string (D and G strings are ideal)? Will a soundpost adjustment fix this issue?

[@MelloCello7]

Wow she is good, and thats an extraordinary sounding violin! Your ears are insane, just as wonderful as your touch! Its intense what such subtle changes can make out of your instrument! Thank you so much for sharing

[@MrDavidSLewis]

What an excellent video. Thank you.

[@gatozarin]

omggggggg that tone of the G string!!!! soooo powerful and bass-y

[@cozydram1]

Totally loved this always wondered how the violin was colourfully tuned. Thank you and I hope you show more That was awesome

[@PaperGrape]

1:28 first, 12:46 Take special note of the wolf b on a string in the first hearing. It sings out rather nicely on the second.

[@damianmb5]

He is a performer

[@404rimless9]

Genious, i absolutely like the series, it's not so commonl that a great violin maker offer's so much insights to his work and art! > very helpful. No hidden secrets. A violinmaker completely without the somewhere known arrogance!

[@simonecadamuro3027]

Grazie per i suoi video maestro e condividere parte della sua esperienza, interessantissimi e pratici, aiutano a porsi domande e cercare risposte e ordine. Definitivamente direi "grande". Buona giornata.

[@EdgarRuss]

Grazie Simone Cadamuro! Sono felice che le piacciano e che siano utili. A presto ER

[@ubatooba8467]

Absolutely awesome! Thank you for showing the rest of us (mortals) what we can only dream of doing ourselves! Keep up the good work friend! God Bless!

[@scottyhughes9179]

thank you again.

[@aspektx]

Wow. This was so informative, thank you.

[@EdgarRuss]

Thank you! ER

[@JustFiddler]

wah bagus sekali. matur suksma

[@portraitbyelise2309]

The difference is HUGE !

[@masterchief586]

Unbelievable, great information

[@kgreekeshvarmanvarman]

Nice, continue.

[@EdgarRuss]

😃

[@laurencelebeustclair833]

yes, that's what it takes to obtain a good balance sound on four strings but as you say could fiddle with it all day that actually is all that is required to my ear can't really improve much better but ones ear is different person to person thanks for the video done that so many times

[@ahyungrocks5509]

Wow!!!! I too can hear a difference. I have to give myself a pat on the back. I will use your advise and adjust the instruments in my homes. Thank you!

[@Louise-qk2po]

Great video Edgar, and very interesting.

[@lanestrand8618]

Great video! I would love some more like this!

[@EdgarRuss]

working hard to do them!

[@jerrydavis1475]

If you use a boxwood tailpiece , titanium adjuster and Kevlar gut you will see a huge improvement in the sound

[@fnersch3367]

You are wonderful. I've been making musical instruments now for 60 years so appreciate very much what you are doing and sharing too. Thanks.

[@EdgarRuss]

Thank you! ☺️

[@EdgarRuss]

Glad you appreciate my effort and videos!! Keep watching :)

[@poitevienphilip]

Good job Edgar congratulations .. I need an assistant like the girl you have with a lot of patience

[@EdgarRuss]

😃

[@nexcape]

에드가선생님 감사합니다. 싸구려 바이올린이고 막손이지만 스스로 바욜 손보는 재미가 쏠썰하네요. 제 바욜이 제소리를 찾아가고 있어요. 앞으로도 많은 정보 미리 감사드립니다~

[@EdgarRuss]

I am happy to hear that. Sorry that it takes always quite long to answer your comments but I am not very fluent in Korean! Have fun all the best ER

[@w.k.perriam6668]

Hi, Thanks for your reply. I tried to copy what she did using a small tailpiece and two gut strings....A and D. I must say that after I tuned the strings behind the bridge to B, F#, C# and G# the sound is really very good now. I used a new violin by Wang made in China. I think he’s a good maker and studied in Cremona. Normally I play a Giacomo Zanoli, Verona 1762 and it actually compared very well! I was very surprised! Bill Perriam

[@DerLiesl]

Sound comparison: 1:27 7:20 8:52 12:43

[@henrypagan6657]

Wow your good thanks for you help

[@w.k.perriam6668]

I would be interested in seeing you set up a violin using the Senza System!

[@arwo1143]

Just googled that... sounds fascinating I don’t think he would legally be allowed to do that though, there are only a handful of certified luthiers

[@abderrahmanchouiba6811]

👍👍🙏

[@chrissy1045]

That camera refocus at 12:14 was very well timed 😂

[@EdgarRuss]

:)

[@edwither8284]

I would like to see some double bass stuff Edgar.

[@edpilkington5297]

Excellenr

[@DrBozoEinstein]

What a ham!

[@bubayou]

I've come across several nice older German violins that have the beginning of a crack right at the edge where the saddle and the top of the violin meet. What's going on with the saddle ? Was the saddle fitted too tightly or did the glue on the bottom of the saddle give way and the saddle slipped or maybe is it that coefficient of expansion being different between the spruce and the ebony is causing these cracks is there a solution to keep it from happening again after the repair.

[@EdgarRuss]

Yes it should be a little space in between. Approximately 1mm all together. 0,5mm on each side. If you see that it is tight next time you see your violinmaker and there Eis something to do on your instrument and he has to ktake off all strings ask to get it fixed properly. otherwise sooner or later.... all the best ER

[@bubayou]

@@EdgarRuss thank you for your advice

[@steviem1000]

Great videos, Ive only a minor suggestion in that the sound recording could be better, Id like to hear your voice clearer. Its quite echoy''y if you catch my drift.

[@EdgarRuss]

I know I know! Imagine that in real it is even more echo here in the workshop. The building is from 1580. The sealing is 4,45meters high. I applied already panels around all walls, carpet, furniture etc. Believe me that's already after working on it. Musicians go outside into the garden or in front of the workshop to listen how it is in a echo free environment. Thanks for your comment! all the best from Cremona Edgar

[@ghlscitel6714]

For me the violin sounds already very good from the beginning and the changes are quite marginal

[@yuyuzhao96]

Hi the violin has very powerful and nice sound, how to spell the name? KZbin caption says "linear Maki" not sure it is the correct spelling. Thank you very much

[@BaderAlbadrany502]

I am from Saudi Arabia. i wish i could visit you in the future!

[@EdgarRuss]

That sounds great! Just write me before you plan your trip in order to be sure that I am here in the workshop. I am looking forward to welcome you here and to show you my workshop and all my last creations. My mail address is: [e-mail] All the best ER

[@BaderAlbadrany502]

Edgar Russ Distinguished Violinmaker thank you!! i am addicted to your videos! i have a question for you. does a violin "go to sleep" if it is not played for some time?

[@arashamed]

Thanks for your video, how can i visit you in your workshope? im from sweden.

[@luborkloda8903]

Imho the violin was perfectly tuned before the video was taken and then a bit "distuned" for the demonstration purposes :D It is not a piece of cake to setup the whole violin and it is really not a 5 minutes job like take a ruler, measure 3 basic measurements and call it a day :D Just setting the soundpost can take couple of hours because everything is conected to everything, not just position of the upper side, but the lower side as well, which is connected to the length of the soundpost because if you go out, soundpost starts to be too tight in the violin. And any change of the soundpost requires double check bridge, position of strings on the bridge and if you move with the bridge because you moved the soundpost, you need to readjust the tailpiece ... and so on and so on and so on. In the end you got something which is the possible setup and then you start the second round, changing the strings, changing the weight and material of the tailpiece ... and you can play with it for days. :D :D :D

[@EdgarRuss]

I agree Lubor; But I disagree as well since if you know what you are doing you can achieve already a lot in a few minutes. It is all a question if you have taken the time to measure precisely. Believe you wouldn't enjoy if I would have measured in real time. 😉 And than I would also underline that you enjoy playing your violin and that you don't become a maniac of sound adjustment, as I am. Indeed I do it already for years and years. all the best from Cremona ER

[@PaperGrape]

Well, the truth is there was a rather large difference in the sound. It is indeed an experience thing..

[@colinwrubleski7627]

Question: what would be the optimum vibrating string length (i.e., nut to bridge) for a VIOLA with a body length of 16.5 inches (between 419 and 420 mm)? I cannot easily get to Herr Doktor Professor Ross in Cremona, since i live in BKK, Thailand, so some careful adjustment by self may be in order...

[@EdgarRuss]

good question, I have to doublecheck and calculate...hold on......... I think 37,5 to 37,6cm should be perfect. all the best ER

[@colinwrubleski7627]

@@EdgarRuss : i had not looked at my google items for seemingly millenia, so i had not seen your helpful reply. In any case, thank you for going to the trouble of researching the question, and posting a helpful reply as well! Sincere regards: Colin R. Wrubleski, aka (pen name) Igor Vrableetch. P.S.: The knowlegeable dealer "Mr. Nott" of the downtown Bangkok shop Frank Brothers Violins says you are NOT interested in visiting Bangkok to show off your wares, but i would really be grateful if you were willing to change your mind about that. Thanks!^^

[@EdgarRuss]

@@colinwrubleski7627 Interesting! Because I am actually planing to come in February to Bangkok to the Shop....! :)

[@colinwrubleski7627]

@@EdgarRuss :Excellent! I shall eagerly await your arrival here in BKK...

[@LisaL.]

is funny that this video only really had 10k views, and the remaining 60k only watched Ayoung play. KZbin only registers 6 views per person right? You should really have her on the show more often. 😉

[@EdgarRuss]

It could be as you say. But after all I think my audience loves to learn that they can actually change the sound of their instrument. A detail most didn't know at all up to this point. all the best from Cremona Edgar

[@torterrakart7249]

Dear Dr.Edgar, I would like to ask you something: I have a viola which is about 16'5 inches large (the body, of course) and even tho I really like the sound of it I have a little problem with the sound production. When I play piano sometimes it has some fuzzy sounds instead of the note that I'm playing, almost like a wolf note, but in the very first positions. Sometimes I can't play certain notes at first because it doesn't "contact" well, I don't if I explained it good and you could understand it. Any tips? Thank you so much in advance!

[@EdgarRuss]

Hi! I think it is the fingerboard which is not shaped the way it should or the uppersaddlel (nut) is too low. But of course it could be anything else. Pretty hard to tell without having the instrument in front of me. Where are you from? Maybe you can send me the viola and I will check it, send you how much it will be and if it confirmed I get it done in order that your viola sound as good as possible. Write me an email to [e-mail]. Looking forward to hearing from you again. all the best

[@boogiewoogie9770]

Isn't the violin tuned flat for the last demonstration?

[@nicolassantos3362]

1:28 antes / before 7:20 Depois / after I dunno you guys but it don't hear any different, just a flater 12:36

[@TheNitinshete]

Hello edgur i have really old violin but my e string is totally out of balance all other strings are great and very clear but e string is not giving balance sound pls help if any solution for this

[@AlenbtgMepstoen]

8:53 before final setup 12:37 final setup

[@EdgarRuss]

well done Kornika! Thanks

[@StreetWorksMedia]

I can hear a big difference in the G

[@gatozarin]

wow! how come just some MILIMETRES can make such a big difference like that????

[@chrisladouceur4093]

At what point do you say it’s the string(s) and consider changing them?

[@PaperGrape]

When they feel like they are not responding well. ( you would know the difference from when they were new oh, being your violin).

[@khalidohero3765]

Hi can you repair and adjust may violin How we can do it

[@fenderstratguy]

I couldn’t hear any issues with the first one, nor any difference in the last one. Untrained ears, I guess.

[@rdaws73]

Its pretty pretentious

[@simonecamplani2430]

bella sedia :D

[@EdgarRuss]

Grazie! Per ulteriori informazioni riguardo alle sedie mandi una mail a [e-mail]. Buona serata!

[@georgesbegon4252]

Tout compte: le diapason, les épaisseurs, la barre, la taille du chevalet, le renversement du Manche,l ame et son positionnement,les ff,et le violoniste...

[@nagyistvan2389]

And what about the height of the bridge?

[@EdgarRuss]

That's something I explained in Episode 13. all the best ER

[@bobolino2009]

Hello Dear you said 16.5 cm by mistake I think,it must be 19.5 💕thank you for all the videos and important information.

[@allsaleh5413]

How measure pegs hole viola neck 16 1/2 inch viola

[@nocturnallsnake4228]

1:46 12:54

[@EdgarRuss]

😊🎻 Thanks ER

[@EdgarRuss]

@@CortVermin 😊 Thanks ER

[@modestoluisestelasanchez1892]

Suenamejorsoltieneskueverpotensiadesonidolaverdadsuenamismoperoelalcansemasimodesonidoesinportanteporlasvariasionesdesonidosaltosivajosporesotieneskuesacarleelpotensial

[@MohammedHajjar]

Where are you located? I’d love to bring my violin for check up

[@EdgarRuss]

In Via Mauro Macchi 2a Cremona, Italy 😃 ER

[@gregorydocenko4019]

Q: Why do most Asians always tune on the lower side? A=438-439 A: Because you can tune a violin not tune-a-fish.

[@EdgarRuss]

🤭

[@modestoluisestelasanchez1892]

Tirandolanotaaestradivariussilomejoraslasonoridadestensalavidadelanota

[@Shoshun2]

Never mind the violin, I'd like to take the lovely young lady home with me.

[@EdgarRuss]

😃🤭

[@陈瀚森-g8t]

Sry but this girl took all my attention from u😂 she’s soo pretty

[@florascent9ts]

it makes me kinda uncomfortable that she's not allowed to talk but she's on screen only to agree with your assessment. i'm sure your assessment is correct, but she should have the opportunity to give her opinion as well