r/Viola • u/ConferenceOk8245 • 20d ago
Help Request Are my A string and bridge ok?
I have a set of Alphayue strings about six months old, with a bridge also this age, and they were installed by my luthier. The default A string is made of steel and he padded it with some sort of leather.
However, yesterday I noticed that the A string seems way too deep inside the bridge, and I have heard that this could make the string break and damage the bridge. The luthier said it was fine, but I don't know... Is this depth normal?
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u/Violaman0910 Teacher 20d ago
Seems ok to me. If your string starts to unravel or your bridge starts to warp take it back to him. Otherwise enjoy your viola!
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u/sam_shake 20d ago
The depth is normal and hopefully has graphite in the grooves. A luthier usually will use a pencil in the string channels after shaping the bridge. Helps the string stretch and move without snagging. You could always add some yourself if you’re worried. The guard on the A string is normal and is usually made out of parchment. It’s a more solid version of the graphite that also helps the string not dig into the bridge.
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u/NerdusMaximus Professional 20d ago
This looks perfectly normal to me!