The StringWorks Setup™
ASSURING EVERY VIOLIN, VIOLA, AND CELLO PERFORMS TO ITS FULL POTENTIAL
Many musicians don't realize how dramatically a professional setup transforms their playing experience. Sadly, hundreds of thousands of instruments with basic 'factory setups' are creating unnecessary struggles for players, when the proper setup could unlock their instrument's true voice and make playing a joy.
What Sets Us Apart
Proper string height, proper curvature of the bridge using premium Despiau bridge blanks, perfectly fitted bridge feet, properly planed and scooped fingerboard, precisely shaped nut, and perfectly fitted pegs and soundpost are all hallmarks of a setup worthy of the greatest professional level instrument, and hallmarks of The StringWorks Setup™. (Fully custom setups also available, see below)
The bridge is the heart of tone transmission in any string instrument. That's why we exclusively use Despiau bridge blanks—one of only two manufacturers worldwide (alongside Aubert) producing truly premium, professional-grade bridges. While many competitors cut costs by using generic maple bridges even on instruments priced above $3,000, every StringWorks instrument receives an Aubert or Despiau bridge regardless of price point. Superior wood density, grain structure, and acoustic properties make an immediate, audible difference in tone quality and prove our commitment to setup excellence where it matters most.
What is The StringWorks Setup™?
Industry Standard: 1 hour per violin/viola, 1.5 hours per cello
StringWorks Standard: 3-5 hours per violin/viola, 5-7 hours per cello
No matter what.
What distinguishes the StringWorks Setup™ from others is that each instrument, regardless of its price point - from intermediate level to pre-professional - receives the highest level of professional setup, as we feel it is important to allow each instrument to make music at its full potential, rewarding the player when proper technique is used, but assuring that it is never difficult to play. Each setup is performed by our skilled luthiers, and takes hours of our specialists' time, all to ensure the highest overall quality for you, the performer. Learn about our complete quality process that happens even before setup begins.
Our Meticulous Process
• Perfectly fitted soundpost
• Soundpost adjusted to ideal spot for each instrument
• Premium Despiau bridge blank, expertly carved and fitted for optimal tone and playability
• Properly trimmed Despiau bridge for optimal quality, strength, and tonal response
• Properly planed and scooped fingerboard
• Perfectly fitted nut
• Smooth grooves for each string on nut
• Properly fitted endbutton/endpin
• Perfectly fitted pegs - a must for proper tuning
Why This Matters for Your Investment
If your instrument does not have the StringWorks Setup™, you might not be experiencing the best that instrument has to offer. StringWorks is the only violin shop to offer a full package of quality assurance and value, combining the best trade-in policy in the industry, 14-day in-home trial, lifetime support and advice, a limited lifetime warranty on every instrument, and the StringWorks Setup™. Our careful care and quality assure StringWorks instruments retain and gain in value.
Be Informed
Some well known violin shops (and shops that specialize in cello) have been known to pass 'factory setup' off as in-house setup. There's a significant difference, so be careful to know for CERTAIN that your instrument is setup BY the shop you are trusting, as they are with StringWorks!
Expect no less, and demand the best in your instrument. Demand the StringWorks Setup™
Watch Our Setup Process
Custom Setups Available
Have special requests for tone, playability, string height, string length, type of bridge, any/all of these? Because our luthiers setup EACH instrument to the highest standards outlined above, we can, at your request, do a fully custom setup. You order the instrument, and give us all your setup requirements. Pricing can vary, and sometimes there will be NO difference in price, depending on what is requested. When you order, talk to our specialists and we'll be happy to arrange it for you!
Interested in finding out more about our Head Luthier, Mark Benischek? Visit his personal website.
Frequently Asked Questions About Instrument Setup
Does my violin, viola, or cello come already set up?
Yes — every instrument purchased from StringWorks ships with our full professional setup already completed. There is nothing additional to request or pay for. Your instrument arrives ready to play at its highest potential.
How much does a professional violin or cello setup cost?
At most shops, a professional setup runs $150–$400 or more depending on the instrument and work required. At StringWorks, the setup is included with every instrument at no additional charge — whether you're purchasing a beginner violin or a professional-level cello.
What's the difference between a factory setup and a professional setup?
A factory setup is done quickly during mass production — bridges are often unfit, soundposts are roughly placed, and string heights are rarely optimized. A professional setup involves precise fitting of every component: bridge feet, soundpost position, nut grooves, peg fit, and fingerboard plane. The difference is immediately felt in playability and heard in tone.
How long does the StringWorks Setup take?
The industry standard is roughly 1 hour for a violin or viola, and 1.5 hours for a cello. The StringWorks Setup takes 3–5 hours for violin and viola, and 5–7 hours for cello — for every instrument, regardless of price point.
Why do you use Despiau bridges instead of standard maple bridges?
There are only two manufacturers in the world producing truly professional-grade bridges: Aubert and Despiau. Most shops use generic maple bridges to cut costs — even on instruments priced above $3,000. Every StringWorks instrument receives a Despiau or Aubert bridge because superior wood density and grain structure make a direct, audible difference in tone.
Can I have my existing instrument set up by StringWorks?
Yes — our luthiers offer setup and repair services. Contact us to discuss what your instrument needs.
Do other shops really pass off factory setups as professional setups?
Unfortunately, yes. Some well-known violin and cello shops represent factory setups as in-house professional work. When evaluating any shop, ask specifically who performs the setup, how long it takes, and what brand of bridge blank is used. The answers will tell you everything.
Ready to Experience the Difference?
Every instrument includes our professional StringWorks Setup™
Questions? Contact our experts | Call (888) 624-6114
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