An owner's manual for fiddlers, this guide covers basic instrument maintenance, upkeep and adjustment. It offers rules for preserving instruments and preventing costly damage. It discusses fiddle history and construction, explaining the differences between fiddles and violins. Step-by-step illustrations demonstrate how to change strings and replace fine tuners. It covers cleaning and minor home repairs, including adjusting and replacing bridges. It discusses when to change strings and rehair the bow, explaining what matters require the care of an expert repair person. It explains ways to customize tone and playability. Additional sections treat valuation and appraisals, tips for buying fiddles, and ways to find good dealers and repair people. A glossary defines technical terms.

-basic rules for avoiding costly damage
-how fiddles are built
-essential accessories
-recommended accessories
-cleaning, changing strings, adjusting the bridge
-replacing fine tuners
-fixing sticking and slipping pegs
-when to rehair the bow
-customizing tone and volume
-buzzes and rattles
-finding good dealers and repair people
-tips on buying
-explanation of valuation

Introduction
Chapter 1: Basic Rules for Handling a Fiddle
Chapter 2: The Fiddle and Bow

Fiddle vs Violin
History of the Violin
Construction
Design and Decoration

Chapter 3: Accessories

Essential Accessories
Recommended Accessories
Sources

Chapter 4: Routine Maintenance

Cleaning
When to Change Strings
How to Change Strings
Adjusting the Bridge

Chapter 5: Occasional Maintenance

Replacing Fine Tuners
Tightening Chinrest
Stuck, Sticking and Slipping Pegs
Adjusting the Eyelet in the Frog
New Tailgut or Endpin
Replacing the Tailpiece
Cleaning the Inside

Chapter 6: Home Bridge Work

Who Should Replace the Bridge?
When You Need a New Bridge
Installing a Bridge
How to Make a Bridge

Chapter 7: Professional Repairs

Rehairing the Bow
When to Rehair
Replacing and Repositioning the Soundpost
Cracks and Open Seams
New Bridge or Nut
Removing Fingerboard Grooves

Chapter 8: Customizing Tone, Volume and Playability

Different Bows
String Sleeves
Different String Types and Gauges
Bridge Location and Height
String Spacing on the Bridge
Bridge Weight
Rosin
Professional Adjustments and Their Costs

Chapter 9: Storage, Shipping and Transporting

Storage
Shipping
Air Travel

Chapter 10: Common Problems

Buzzes and Rattles
Stiff Fine Tuners
Loss of Bow Hair
Bow Bugs
Sudden Loss of Pitch
Strings that Keep Breaking

Chapter 11: Dealing with Luthiers and Dealers

Finding a Good Luthier
Dealers
Estimates
Sources and Professional Associations

Chapter 12: Tips on Buying Beginner and Budget Instruments

Rental or Purchase?
Alternative Budget Suggestions
Online Sources
Comparing Prices
List Price
Helpful Hints

Chapter 13: Tips on Buying Better Quality Instruments

Set Your Goals
Caveat Emptor - Buyer Beware
Older is Not Necessarily Better
Ask the Right Questions
On-line Sources and Auctions
Second Opinions
Return Policies
Fiddles as Investments

Chapter 14: Problems to Avoid When Buying

False Labels
Bad Setup
Instruments Needing Repairs
Evaluating Older Instruments

Chapter 15: What is It Worth?

Different Meanings of Value
Relation of Sound Quality to Value
Value vs Resale Price
Getting Appraisals
Certificates

Glossary