My name is Michelle and im a beginner violist. On day i was practising and the bridgge snapped off! Is this normal? Do i need to go to a music repair place, or can i do it myself?

Well, you really need a welder for the girders and the bridge cables are going to cost a fortune...
In other words, get a proffesional

No no, not necessary at all if the bridge is not damaged and the soundpost is still in place. Just put it back. The default position is to have the feet of the bridge in line with the notches in the f holes.

Liz

thanks

Often when you get a beginning instrument, a brige is taken right out of the package and put directly on the viola, without the feet of the bridge having been properly fitted to the individual instrument. In this case, the bridge will often slide around and pop off. It might be worthwhile to go to a luthier (not a music shop, but someone who specializes in making and repairing bowed stringed instruments) and have the bridge feet fitted. He/she can also be sure that the sound post is in the best spot and that the instrument and bow are in good working condition. He`ll also show you how to monitor the bridge angle - they have a tendancy to tilt forward from the string tension. Having these adjustments can greatly improve your sound, as the bridge playes a vital role in transfering the sound vibrations. Hope this helps:-)

O that is MUCH less common than it used to be. I have not seen a new one where the bridge really does not fit at all for something like ten years. It may be that there are still some out there at rock bottom prices that are like that, but competition in China is intense and it`s probably not all that likely.

Liz

Believe it or not, it is more common than you think. I spent some time teaching strings in the public schools and most of the rental instruments, from one local business in particular, had unfitted bridges. Maybe it`s a rental quality thing. One big sign is their inability to stay put. Most instruments that are slightly higher in quality, like those you`d get from Southwest or shar, don`t seem to have any problems. I guess it depends on who set the instrument up.

Fortunately, bridges only cost a buck or three, and so it is not so difficult to buy a few, and an exacto knife and a file, and teach yourself how to fit one. (There are some luthier suppliers on line who sell them for very little, and even Shar is about $3.50 per bridge).

Same thing goes for the sound post. I made a fitter from a coathanger, using a file to make a blade point. It worked just fine.

I am no expert player. But I played in school from elementary through HS, and then came back to the viola (from violin originally) this year (20 years later). I find it interesting that all the really fundamental stuff was never taught or mentioned back in my orchestra, such as sound post (never even remembered that part) intonation systems, (other than saying "you have a good ear") etc. I only stumbled on the equal temperment versus just intonation business by accident--by measuring my guitar and trying to figure out for myself what the harmonic series was...

Now that I have returned, I find it fun to learn how to do the "fancy things." I also think it helps to demystify the whole stringed instrument thing.

Instead of worrying about the soundpost falling, and the sound never coming back etc, it is better to just reach in there and knock it over. (Same for the bridge). Then in the process of fixing it, you come to know your instrument. And the sound comes back. And you learn first hand what kind of real difference is made by moving it around.

I even bought some hide glue---though have not needed that for my viola yet. But it is fun for making projects with the children. They love watching it melt, stirring it and sticking tongue depressors together into elaborate sculptures.

Good luck with your playing (and your instrument maintenence).

Best regards,

Bill