Violin Column Adjustment: My Method for Adjusting the Column

The function of the sound column is 1. to support the panel, and 2. to transmit vibration to the back panel. The sound column has a huge impact on sound quality and volume, so it is often referred to as the soul of the violin.

The position of the sound column is very important, as it has different effects depending on the violin

When installing the sound column, the preferred position is on the bottom line of the E-string at the foot of the code foot, towards the direction of pulling the string board, and 5 millimeters away from the code foot.

Direction A: Moving the sound column towards the middle will increase bass;

B direction: Moving the sound column to the side will increase the high frequency, making the high notes bright;

C direction: Moving the sound column towards the string pulling direction will reduce the volume and make the sound empty;

D direction: Moving the sound column towards the fingerboard will increase the volume.

Note: Sometimes horizontal movement (A, B direction) can be achieved using the same sound column. As shown in the figure, we marked the position of the sound column when the strings were loosened, and it can be seen that installing the sound column with the same force after tightening the strings cannot reach this position. This means that after tightening the A and E strings, the size of the piano body will change, which will also bring changes to the sound, indicating that changes in the length of the sound column will have different effects from horizontal adjustments in position.

Adjust the sound column

Tools used: KKS sound column installation/adjustment device and sound column inspection light.

1. I use ballpoint pen oil to mark the position of the sound column, and also mark it at the bottom of the sound column.

2. Use the KKS adjuster to clamp the sound column without loosening the string.

3. Relax the strings.

4. Rotate the adjuster to remove the sound column and move it towards the highest point in the middle space of the piano body.

5. Be sure to ensure that the handle of the code extractor is perpendicular to the piano body to maintain the verticality of the sound column.

6. Gently move the sound column to the new position, and try to slowly move the sound column up and down to ensure that the top and bottom are in contact with the panel and back panel at the same time.

7. Twist the handle to apply some pressure to the sound column and fix it in the new position. At this moment, I am not in a hurry to remove the handle. Confirm that the sound column is installed in the preset position.

8. Tighten the E-string to keep the sound column stable under pressure, then rotate the handle to open and remove it.

This is my recent adjustment to the sound column. Without loosening the G and D strings, the sound column moves backwards by approximately 1.5 millimeters. The effect is obvious, with the G string being deeper and the D string having a more metallic sound, while the C and A strings have less significant changes and roughly the same volume. I like these changes and will maintain them.