The most important violin accessories

Rosin

In the violin case there should always be some rosin. Carefully selected, the rosin refines the sound of the instrument. Which is the right rosin, is not easy to say. The degree of hardness should correspond to the bow, the strings and the instrument. It is important to remove old rosin from the bow hair, e.g. with a special cleaner. This is of course available at Paganino. Before playing the bow is treated with rosin. A popular rosin is the Amato Gold rosin, the Andrea rosin, the Bernardel rosin or rosin by Pirastro, which was created to provide for certain strings.

Shoulder rest

Next to the rosin, the shoulder rest is the most important accessory for the violin. The shoulder rest allows a good posture of the violin. Thus the bow may be positioned optimally on the violin strings without tensing up the shoulder. It is important for shoulder rests that their „feet“ are adjustable. Thus the shoulder rest can be adapted to any individual shape of violins. Shoulder rests are available in many different designs and materials. The shoulder rests by Kun or Wolf are purchased very often.

Chin rest

When buying a violin, it is likely to have a chin rest. If the existing chinrest does not fit, then it should be replaced by a more suitable one, which allows a better position on the instrument. There are chin rests made of ebony wood, rosewood, boxwood or plastics.

Mutes

The mute is, like the rosin, the shoulder rest or the strings, also a constant companion in the violin case. It takes away little space but is still indispensable. Mutes are available in many designs. Rubber mutes are usually hung on the strings and then pulled on the bridge. Mutes made of wood, e.g. ebony, are simply plugged onto the bridge.

Fine tuners

Fine tuners enormously facilitate the tuning of the instrument. They are easy and fast  to use. The strings are streched between pegs and tailpiece. The fine tuners are simply installed on them. Thus, the tuning of the violin is a breeze.

Bridge

Over the years, the bridge may bend or the strings press deep grooves into it. Then you should definitely install a new bridge. Otherwise, you are risking a massive damage of the violin. Between bridge and top of the violon you can also apply a bridge protection.

Maintenance agents

The surface of bowed stringed instruments is exposed to many stresses and strains. The sensitive varnish can be damaged by humidity, dust from rosin and others. Special care and maintenance products can help here. With a good care product for the violin you cannot only remove sticking dust from rosin, but also compensate small scratches in the paint. It nourishes the varnish and gives it a new brilliance. Especially the products like Aureum or a maintenance kit by Pacato are particularly popular.

Humidifier

In the cold season, when we heat our apartments and houses, it may happen that the wood of bowed stringed instruments warps quickly. This can be remedied by a humidifier, which is placed in the violin case or attached directly to the violin. Then the wood of the violin can slowly absorb enough moisture and the wood is decompressed again.