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“Imagination creates reality.”
– Richard Wagner

TEN-POINT SET UP

Ten-Point Set Up for String Instruments

One thing that sets Beau Vinci Violins apart is the rigid adherence to setting up each instrument properly. The time and resources that go into this process give our clients the best sound and playability possible. Every violin, viola or cello is optimized to set each player up for success.

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Uncompromised Attention to Detail

Whether we are preparing a student or professional level instrument for sale, our attention to detail remains the same. (Children’s instruments especially need a correct set-up to ensure ease of playability).

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Neck Angle & Fingerboard Preparation

Prior to all else, it is essential that the neck of the instrument fits precisely and accurately. If the angle is too low the strings and bridge will be too low (bridge height, measured from the center of the instrument, should be 32 to 32.5 mm for most full-size violins). The fingerboard must be of dense ebony and smoothly planed. It should also be cambered to ensure clarity of sound and ease of movement.

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Pegs: Look, Feel & Fit

All must meet our exacting standard on every instrument we sell. Pegs that are hard to use often result in out-of-tune playing.

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Bridge: Best Materials & Individually Crafted

Bridges are not just things that you buy and “stick on” the instrument. Properly carved bridges are delicate and sensitive transmitters of sound from the string to the body of the instrument. Our professionally crafted bridges are selected for each instrument individually and vary in density according to the design and materials of the instrument. They are then carved in different ways according to the nature of the individual instrument being set up and the stylistic nuances of the luthier.

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Soundpost: Best Materials, Best Fit, Cut from Scratch

Soundpost blanks can be purchased as pre-cut wooden dowels. We carve our from scratch from a block of spruce to ensure better quality of material and control over the final product.

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Tailpiece: Material, Weight, Shape/Design

Sure, a tailpiece can enhance the appearance of an instrument. But they have a much greater influence on the sound of the instrument than people often imagine. As they resonate with the string, the length, weight or shape can adversely affect the sound. We look for a light- weight, simple but elegant design. It is always best to avoid unnecessary decorations, especially metal ones which dampen the tone. Following the same principle,  we try to avoid the use of more than one fine tuner in order to minimize the dampening of sound. On children’s instruments we use lightweight tailpieces with incorporated fine tuners.

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Tuner and Tailgut: Small, but No Less Important

Our fine tuners are specifically selected to minimize weight, maximize ease of use, and to make sure that all strings are pulled to the same length, and therefore to equal tension and balance. Our tail-guts don’t just hold the tailpiece on the instrument; their length is specifically tailored to the instrument on which they are installed. Too long, and the sound is weak and muffled, too short, and the sound becomes tight and choked.

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String Choice: Tailored to Your Needs and to the Voice of the Instrument

We are often asked about our opinion on strings. There are many fine strings on the market today. There is not one single best string just as there is not one best salad dressing. We pair strings with our instruments as a part of our setup process. Our staff would be happy to make a string recommendation on your personal instrument.

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Chinrest: Comfort, Material & Fit

We use hardwood chinrests to ensure comfort, acoustic and aesthetic benefits. Even the chinrest vibrates as the instrument is played, so choice of material is extremely important. Each one is professionally installed to ensure stability. Our staff is trained to work with the musician when finding the perfect chinrest is needed.

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Adjustment: A Team Effort

After all other steps are completed, we play each instrument, listening closely to balance and response. At this time we also double-check peg function, neck comfort, and other details that may need fine-tuning or further attention.