Understanding the Perils of High Action on Stringed Instruments
Back to BlogHow do you figure out that the Strings on your instrument are set too high for you?
Stringed instruments like violins and guitars have specific string adjustments, which are mandatory for good sound quality. The strings of a violin or guitar, if set too high or too low, can completely change the rhythm and tune of the instrument. In this guide, we will talk about the perils of high-action stringed instruments and discuss how to fix them when needed.
Here is how to find out if the strings of your instrument are not set for you:
Strings feel harsh to press down
If playing a stringed instrument does not feel soothing, instead, it feels like a harsh workout session for your fingers and wrist, so you need to check the strings as they are not set for you. If the strings feel harsh to press and it hurts your hands while playing, then the strings must be high for you and you need to adjust them according to your hands.
Music and Sound Changes while playing
If the sound of the instrument feels different while playing or the musical instrument vibrates when playing, and if you do not feel comfortable when playing the violin, then it means these settings are not for you, and you need to adjust the strings according to the length of your hands and fingers to get perfect and preferred sound.
What happens when Strings are set too high?
Here is what will happen when the strings of a stringed instrument are set up too high:
Impact on Sound
If the strings are set too high, then the sound will change and the music won’t be soothing. The tune will change and it will impact the health of the violin as well as higher strings might damage it.
Risk of Injury to the Musician
Musical instruments which have higher strings can injure the musicians while playing as it might damage their hands, fingers, or wrists while playing the instrument. As they need to adjust their hands according to the higher strings set on the violin, which will cause pain and stiffness to the hands and fingers while playing.
Impact on the Musician
If the strings are set too high, the musician won’t enjoy playing it, and higher strings will lead to fatigue and it will cause discomfort to the musician while playing. Musicians who have smaller hands or smaller fingers will find it difficult to play such a musical instrument, and their fingers might get hurt while playing the instrument.
How to Fix the High Stringed Instruments
Here is how to Fix the High Stringed Instruments:
Adjusting the Bridge:
Violins have a wooden bridge which can be adjusted according to the player’s preferences. Musicians can visit a luthier adjust it according to their preference.
Get Professional Help:
Always make sure to reach out to a professional to seek help. They can help you fix the instrument according to your preference.
Try Lubricants:
Basic lubricants like pencil graphite can help lubricate strings. You can try to lubricate the nut fittings, pegs or bridge using this lubricant to loosen up the strings and adjust the instrument according to your choice.
How much should be the distance between the strings on a Stringed Musical Instrument?
Every stringed instrument is different from another, and each has a separate distance; here is how much distance there should be between strings on different stringed instruments:
Violin Family
- Cello’s should have ~12mm–14mm spacing between the strings
- Violas ~12mm–13mm spacing between the strings
- Violins should have ~11mm–12mm spacing between strings
How much should be the height of strings on stringed instruments?
There are no specific restrictions on string height on stringed instruments. Every musician has their own preferred string height according to their preference, their hand size, and the type of music they play. Here are some usual string heights of some stringed instruments that are commonly preferred:
Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass
- Violins have an E String height ~3.7mm and G String height ~6mm
- Violas have A string height ~4mm and C string height ~6.5mm
- Cello has A string height of ~5.5mm and C string height of ~8mm
String Instruments
Stringed Instruments need to have proper string height and spacing between the strings. If these strings are set too low or too high, then they might not produce the same quality of sound that you expect from your stringed instrument. Also, if you want to know more about the ideal string for your use you can visit Amorim Fine Violins to receive a catered solution for your stringed instrument.