All ask-the-experts articles
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FocusAsk the Experts: protecting your instrument in hot and humid temperatures
Four luthiers and restorers advise a musician on how to care for her instrument during the hot summer months. From August 2014
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FeatureAsk the Experts: protecting your instrument from chips and nicks
A panel of luthiers give their thoughts on some unusual marks that have appeared on the surface of a violinist's instrument over the course of his playing career
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Premium ❘ FeatureAsk the Experts: how to encourage students to trust their ears
A reader asks what can be done to help young students who rely on learning finger placement rather than trusting their ears. Three teachers give their views
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Premium ❘ FocusAsk the Experts: how to help a beginner pupil with intonation issues
Strad readers submit their problems and queries about string playing, teaching or making to our experts
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FocusLearning a violin as an adult: How do you progress beyond practising for exams?
How can an adult amateur, beginning or relearning an instrument, progress beyond practising for exams? Three tutors examine the various options – as well as suggesting ways to combat shyness
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FeatureAsk the Experts: how to correct a violin bridge position
Three top luthiers answers a reader's query on preserving the correct instrument geometry after changing strings, in this feature from 2014
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Premium ❘ FeatureAsk the Experts: how to deal with a young problem pupil
Four teachers give their thoughts on helping an errant seven-year-old focus on her lessons
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FeatureAsk the Experts: should players separate technique and musicality in practice?
A violinist asks if players should separate technique and musicality when preparing a piece for a performance, and if there is a strategy that can help combat performance nerves
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Premium ❘ FeatureAsk the Experts: choosing a new violin tailpiece
A violinist asks what he should consider when choosing a new tailpiece – from the material used to the weight and shape
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FeatureAre dendrochronology reports useful in valuing an instrument?
Dealers and auction houses increasingly include dendrochronology reports along with high-value instruments, but how meaningful are they in verifying an attribution?
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Premium ❘ FeatureAsk the Experts: how to fix a wobbling bow frog
A reader asks what should be done when a bow frog wobbles after a rehair – and what does it say about the rehairer? Two makers give their views
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Premium ❘ FeatureAsk the Experts: how to make the best use of limited practice time
Four specialists in practice techniques advise a busy amateur musician how to make the most of his limited rehearsal time
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Premium ❘ FeatureAsk the Experts: how to guarantee a violin's resaleability
Strad readers submit their problems and queries about string playing, teaching or making to a panel of experts
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Premium ❘ FeatureAsk the Experts: helping double-jointed students
Five teachers and health specialists respond to a reader's query on how best to teach a double jointed student.
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Premium ❘ FeatureAsk the Experts: purchasing the right Baroque bow
A trio of Baroque bow makers give their thoughts on what to look for when making the leap into historically informed playing
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FocusShould string teachers use fingerboard stickers for beginners?
Three string teachers debate the age-old question: should stickers be used on the fingerboard when teaching a beginner pupil?
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FocusIs it a real Stradivarius? How to check the authenticity and value of a violin
A reader has inherited an old Italian violin, in this case a Landolfi. In fact, finding a violin in a grandparent’s attic is some people’s first introduction to the stringed-instrument world. What’s the next step regarding authentication?
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Premium ❘ FeatureAsk the Experts: How to look after your bow
Four bow makers advise on how best to look after a new bow to maintain both its performance and potential resale value
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FocusAsk the Experts: minimising excessive body movements
We asked four string pedagogues to give their thoughts on eliminating or cutting down on excessive body movements when playing
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FocusWhat's the difference between a £1,000 and a £20,000 violin?
How do violin dealers and auction houses settle on the prices of instruments in the ‘middle range’ – and what should a potential buyer bear in mind when browsing?
