Yamaha YVN50 Owner's Manual - Page 4

Before Playing the Instrument ■ About the Bridge The instrument is shipped from the factory with its bridge properly set and aligned on the instrument's top. After confirming that the bridge is in proper alignment, tune the instrument. • Four notches in the bridge provide proper spacing between the strings. Make sure that each string is set in its corresponding groove as shown in the illustration right. G D A C G D E : violin A : viola Groove 4th string 1st string Body top [Looking from the tailpiece] • Make sure that the side of the bridge facing the tailpiece is standing at a right angle to the top of the instrument. If the bridge is leaning either direction, place the instrument on a stable surface, slightly loosen the strings then using both hands, gently adjust the bridge's angle. Make sure that the strings do not come out of their notches. * Playing with a poorly aligned bridge can result in poor sound quality, and deformation or damage to the bridge. Correct Bad Bad Right Angle The side of the bridge facing the tailpiece should be at a right angle to the body of the instrument. ■ Tuning • The strings are tuned to the following pitches; On the violin, the 1st string is tuned to E, the 2nd string to A, the 3rd string to D, and the 4th string to G. On the viola, the 1st string is tuned to A, the 2nd string to D, the 3rd string to G, and the 4th string to C. Use a piano, tuning fork, tuner, etc., and adjust the pitch of each string using the tuning pegs or adjuster. When rotating the peg, apply firm pressure towards the head stock. • After tuning is complete, make sure that the tailpiece side of the bridge is still properly aligned. If the bridge is leaning in either direction, slightly loosen the strings and carefully re-align the bridge using both hands. 4