The Essential Handbook for Violinists, Violists and Fiddle Players

Violin maker and restorer Rebecca Houghton wrote this book as a gift to players, teachers and parents who need essential advice on caring for their instrument. Packed with facts and information, it de-mystifies everything from changing strings and choosing a chin rest to dealing with slipping pegs and one-off emergency scenarios. She is a professional luthier, an amateur viola player and the stringed instrument expert on the BBC’s The Repair Shop.

Houghton’s book couples close-up photography with a practical guide that helps to improve life as a musician.

Containing information on correct string heights, neck lengths of fractional-size instruments, the Alexander technique and shoulder rests, this book is perfect gift for string players everywhere.

Chapters:

Introduction

Basic parts of a violin inside and out

The set up
i. Fingerboard
ii. Top nut
iii. Pegs and common problems
iv. Tuning
v. Changing a string
vi. Tailpiece and tailgut
vii. Saddle
viii. Endpin
ix. Soundpost
x. Bridge

Fractional instruments for children – sizing the correct one

Viola sizing

The process of choosing a new instrument

Chinrest and shoulder rest

Strings

Bows and rosin

Tips for improving the sound

Buzzes

Cleaning

Other useful information
i. Insurance
ii. Cases and accessories
iii. What should I keep in my case?
iv. Pickups and electric instruments
v. Other accessories

“This book is written in a readable style and contains a wealth of good advice, interesting facts and useful information. It provides answers to things that as a teacher and player myself I probably ought to have known but didn’t: why are some rosins dark and some amber in colour? Why should you wrap your violin in a silk scarf? Why are most violin and viola bows haired with white rather than black hair? I found it to be a fascinating read and would recommend it to all who teach and play the violin or the viola, as well as to parents of young players.”
Celia Cobb, The Strad, September 2018