You probably know the feeling of snapping a string just before a show or a practice session if you play the cello.What now?Don't panic, most importantly!It takes a few minutes to replace a cello string.You can swap out the broken string if you have an extra string and a tuning fork.
Step 1: The cello should be on a flat surface.
You will need a stable surface to work on.Professionals usually put the cello on their lap.If it is more comfortable for you, you could lay it on a table.Make sure that the surface you are working on is stable.
Step 2: Take the string off the tuning peg.
A cello has four strings.Pick the one that you want to change, and loosen it by slowly turning the tuning peg that it's attached to towards the cello.The string will start unraveling when you turn in the right direction.Change one string at a time.The tailpiece at the end of the cello collapse can be repaired if you take off all the strings at once.The cello has tuning pegs on both sides.
Step 3: The string is in the tuning peg.
If the string is loose, grab it below the tuning peg with your other hand.Pull back gently and loosen the tuning peg.If the string has been in the hole for a while, you might need to work it out a little.To get the string out of the way, jiggle it.
Step 4: The string should be removed from the tailpiece.
The cello's tailpiece is located near the back of the cello.The metal ball at the end of the string is the locking bell.Lift the string out of position.Don't try to pull the string out of the tailpiece while it's still under tensionIt could hurt you.
Step 5: Take the wrong string out of the package.
There are sets of 4 cello strings.The strings are C, G, D, and A.Take the string out of the pack.Roll the strings up so you have the one you need.There is a color code on the package to identify the string.The A might have a brass tip while the C has a black one.If you can't tell the strings apart, use this guide.
Step 6: The new string has a tip.
Without a locking bell, pinch the tip of the string.Make a hook by bending the straight string down.It's easier to insert into the tuning peg with this.
Step 7: The tuning peg has a hole on top of it.
The hole in the tuning peg should be facing up.The bent part of the string should be tucked into the hole.The string should stick out from the other side of the tuning peg.It might not grip correctly if it doesn't.To give it more clearance, bend the string a bit more.You should put the string from the top of the tuning peg.The string won't tighten correctly without that.
Step 8: Hold the string and tighten the tuning peg.
Hold the string with one hand and grab the tuning peg with the other.To tighten the string, turn the tuning peg away from the cello.Pull back the string a bit to keep it taut.The peg should be turned until the string wraps around it 2 or 3 times.The end of the cello neck has markings on it to show how far from the nut it should be.The string is usually tight after the mark passes the nut.Pull the string back to see if there are any markings.The peg is tight if it stays locked in place.
Step 9: Attach the end of the string to the tailpiece.
The locking bell is on the other end of the string.Pull the string down so it has some tension on it, then slip it into the slot on the tailpiece.The string should be locked in place to keep the bell from moving.tighten the peg a bit more if the string is too loose to stay attached to the tailpiece.
Step 10: The string should be put into the bridge and nut.
The bridge is a raised wooden platform just before the tailpiece, and the nut is the small wooden piece just below the cello head.There are two parts for each string.The string should be held in place by slipping it into each notch.If the string isn't sitting in each notch yet, it's okay.It will be tighter when you tune it.
Step 11: The string should be tuned.
The last thing to do after the string is attached is tune it up.If you can, use an electric tuner or tune by ear.The string should be tightened until it reaches the correct pitch, which will be C, G, D, or A depending on the string.You'll snap your brand new string if you overtighten the tuning peg.Don't tighten the string after you reach the right pitch.You can follow the same steps for each string.Change them at a time.