Making Matters: Strategies to fix wolf notes

Lead image of wolf eliminator

Eliminating a wolf note can be the bane of every luthier’s life. Linda Lespets passes on four methods that can help to solve the problem

I have been told that any article on the wolf note will be a little controversial. I recently discovered this first-hand, when I asked some fellow violin makers if I could compare a wolf note to the thrumming noise you get when one person opens a window in a car, and you feel like your head might explode with the rhythmic wa-wa sound and sensation; this is followed by other people opening and closing windows until the matter is solved. I was told that this is absolutely not the same thing as a wolf note, but I am going to go on and use this example anyway because:…

Already subscribed? Please sign in

Subscribe to continue reading…

We’re delighted that you are enjoying our website. For a limited period, you can try an online subscription to The Strad completely free of charge.

  • Free 7-day trial

    Not sure about subscribing? Sign up now to read this article in full and you’ll also receive unlimited access to premium online content, including the digital edition and online archive for 7 days.

    No strings attached – we won’t ask for your card details

  • Subscribe 

    No more paywalls. To enjoy the best in-depth features and analysis from The Strad’s latest and past issues, upgrade to a subscription now. You’ll also enjoy regular issues and special supplements* and access to an online archive of issues back to 2010.

 

* Issues and supplements are available as both print and digital editions. Online subscribers will only receive access to the digital versions.