Violin String snapped, and so did spare. Will I damage my violin if I leave it with 3 strings?

Question

So, my A string snapped last Saturday and as a result I re-strung it with one of my spare strings. I should note that at this point, after tuning it, the sound was coming out a little strange (or foreign) from this string. I thought it could be since I just strung it on so I didn't take any notice.

Today, this string snapped while I was tuning it. It went out of tune to even go lower than the D string. I tried re-stringing with another spare I had at hand, but this snapped also while tuning it.

Both of these strings were of the same brand.

I am unable to buy another string right now. Will I damage my violin if I leave it with 3 strings (G-D-E) until I go buy another A string or set?

So far I haven't found any web page with a definite answer, which is why I'm asking here

(Also, if anyone wants to comment below and say maybe as to why this happened (bad tuning skills, brand of strings, other reasons?) please do so)

UPDATE 1: When tuning I use a tuner. I'm still in Grade 1 and I don't have perfect pitch, so tuning by ear is out of the question.

UPDATE 2: I have changed strings before and none had given me such a problem.

Answer 1

Whatever you do, leave as many strings on the instrument as possible. Taking too many off can cause your post to collapse, and then you have to pay to have someone reach in there and give a post adjustment. That really stinks.

I think it should be ok as long as you are careful not to joggle it too much and are quick in getting the next string.

As to why it keeps happening, when you tune your instrument, do you use the pegs or the fine tuners? Perhaps tightening too fast will cause your string to snap. And are you sure that you have the right size of string? One more thing that seems likely (maybe most likely?) is the width of the string.

(It is a funny thing indeed to note that this not only had nothing to do with the problem, it doesn't even exist as a problem... ;-D)

Thicker strings require more tension to keep up to tune, as said here:

Almost all strings are available in different thickness or gauges, for example Thomastik Dominants, which are available in stark (thick), mittel (medium), and weich (thin). Pirastro Eudoxa, Olive and Kaplan Golden Spiral gut strings come in a variety of gauges indicated by gauge numbers. The majority of string players use the medium gauges. In general a thicker than normal string will require more tension in order to bring it up to pitch.

Source: http://www.ifshinviolins.com/Articles/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/411/Guide-To-Choosing-and-Using-Strings-for-Violins-Violas-and-Cellos

Consider slightly thinner strings. I use medium, so you know. Hope you find out what's happening, and do tell us when you do! Happy playing!

Answer 2

No, having only three strings will not damage your violin.

Answer 3

Where did your strings snap from? I would look at the place of snapping as an indication of an issue with the setup. It could be that the bridge is too sharp, or the nut is too sharp, or if it broke somewhere else in the middle, it could be that the tension was too high for the instrument. As far as general suggestions, I would recommend you lubricate the grooves on the bridge and on the nut with #2 graphite, from a wood pencil, for example. This will allow the strings to move easily when stretched. By reducing the friction, you lessen the chances of strings snapping haphazardly.

Answer 4

Try lubricating the grooves in the nut with the lead of a pencil before you string it up. This part of the violin can often be responsible for string breaks.

Answer 5

It is possible that the tension of your A string is too high or that your bridge is not shaped well. Check that with pictures online and if it is incorrect then remove the bridge and smooth it down using a sandpaper. If you do not know how to, take it to your luthier nearby(search online) and get the instrument checked or any other professional. But I advise you to try a different string first as it could be a defect. If that does not work try a different string gauge and tension or from a different brand. It does not matter, many violinists mix and match. And as mentioned above any sudden atmospheric changes(temperature and pressure) can affect the strings and the instrument itself. When did the strings snap? When did you notice it?

Answer 6

A few things come to mind. Easy remedies on installing strings and concerns of breakage: First, agreeing with the above comment to 'grease' the nut groove near the scroll with a pencil (lubricating it). Also, make sure that the groove is wide enough (often not) and that it will not pinch the string just as one that is not properly lubricated.

When using a digital tuner, it will not tell you WHERE you are in relation to the correct octave. In other words, you might quickly go past the note you need to tune to, then going up to the next higher octave will break that string as well. Use your ears to make sure you are not going DOUBLY high.