The Setup
One of the most important steps in making a new instrument occurs just before it is played for the first time. Setup entails the choices that a luthier and musician make to variables such as the upper nut, the lower saddle, the material chosen for the tailgut, and also the wood used for accessories such as tailpiece, chinrest, endpin, and pegs. Setup also includes the materials, dimensions, and fit of the soundpost and bridge, and also the choice of strings. While all these elements seem like they are not part of the resonating body of the instrument…mere adornments, they in fact make important contributions to the performance and character of the tone and playability of the instrument, and their proper adjustment can make the difference between a good and great instrument.
The setup of an instrument enables luthiers to adjust and refine the way the instrument feels and responds to the hand and bow of the player. When setting up my new instruments for players, the player and I have a detailed conversation about how the player needs the instrument to function and how they expect the setup to feel. The adjustment of setup is best refined with the luthier and musician working together, and for this reason I encourage players to visit my workshop either when the instrument is first made or some point thereafter in order to move the new instrument towards a personal and optimized sound and feel. Careful setup recognizes that not all players are the same. Some have stronger hands, some have smaller hands. String heights and spacing can be adjusted accordingly. Some players have long necks, some shorter. Different chin rests can be tried to produce the most comfortable fit for the player. If commercial chin rests do not prove adequate, I am willing to make a custom chinrest for my clients. To see a short photo essay on how chin rests are made click here.
Setup also needs to be monitored and adjusted during the life of the instrument. For this reason, I encourage owners of my instruments occasionally to bring or ship back instruments for routine maintenance and adjustment.
