why won't violin play?

Question

i just recently purchased a new violin for my niece, i ordered off of a website and it does not play, does anyone know how to fix it, or why it is doing that?

Answer 1

Could be a few things. First check the violin string tension. When you pluck a string with your finger, does it make a note? If not, it's probably not taut enough. Try adjusting the pegs at the top.

If it makes a note, then it's the bow. First check bow string tension. You should be able to fit your pinky finger between the bow hair and the rod if it's tight enough. You can adjust that tension by twisting the end of the bow.

If those are both fine, you don't have any or enough rosin on the bow. That's the waxy cake it came with. Rub it up and down the length of the taut bow hair at least 50 times and try again. Still not much of a note? Press a little harder, and keep adding more rosin until you get something. Good luck!

Answer 2

Id take it to a music shop anyway so they can check its in tune, and advise you about bow tightness etc. Most are helpful.

Answer 3

It's not the violin, it's probably the bow.
You need to rosin a new bow for at least half an hour or so before it will play.

Answer 4

I would take it into your local music shop and they will probably have to do a few adjustments on it for you. The strings probably need to be tightened and the bridge set at the right angle, and you'll need to rosin up the bow for a while. The music shop can also show you how to do it correctly, so you or your niece don't break it trying to fix it. Best of luck.

Answer 5

i did the exact same thing when i got my first violin. The reason it's not playing is probably because it doesn't have any rosin on it. You need to apply it on to the whole bow for about half an hour.

Answer 6

Errrmmm...... I don't believe that violins (or, for that matter, any other musical instruments) actually 'play' themselves. They require a person with a certain mastery of musical skills to 'play' them.

Doug