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STANDARD

PLAY DEMO Violin Sound Post Setup The guidelines I use to set up my violin sound post The purpose of violin Sound Post is: One, to support the top violin sound box plate Two, to transfer the vibrations to bottom plate Sound post can have enormous effect on the sound quality and loudness of the violin, thus it is often referred to as the Soul of the violin. The position of the sound post inside the violin is important, its effect varies with violin construction, but general trend is demonstrated in Fig1.

PRO MODEL

When installing a new Sound Post, the best starting point is in line with the Treble E-string) foot of the bridge and about 5mm away towards the Tailpiece of the violin.
A: Moving sound post towards the center can increase lower tones
B: Setting the Sound Post towards the side may increase higher frequencies resulting in brighter and stronger tone.
C: Setting the sound post back towards violin tailpiece tends to reduce loudness, can make sound more hollow.
D: Moving the sound post closer to to fingerboard can make more brilliant and louder sound.

Note. Some lateral position change (from A to B) is possible with the same Sound Post. In Fig 2 we marked a spot at the edge of the sound post after it has been placed while strings were loose. It shows that when strings are tightened the sound post does not move as far towards the side while set with the same lateral force. This means that after the A and E strings are tightened the dimensions of the sound box would be changed, thus giving further variable to affect sound. It would make sense that using shorter or longer sound post will not give same effect as moving the same sound post laterally.

Resetting the Sound Post

Tools I use: KKS Sound Post Setter/Inserter/Remover and Sound post inspection light with diffused beam.

1. I use the ink cartridge from a ball point pen to mark position of bottom of sound post, also leave mark on the sound post.
2. With strings tight I introduce the KKS Setter tool and grab the Sound Post.
3. Loosen Strings.
4. Turn the Tool handle to dislodge the Sound Post, Then move the  Sound post towards the middle of the sound box, the highest part inside.
5. Make Sure the Tool handle is absolutely perpendicular to the violin body, this will keep the sound post perpendicular.
6. Gently move the sound post towards new location, try slight up/don movement to ensure the top and  bottom of the sound post meet the belly and back plates at the same time.
7. Twist the handle to apply pressure on sound post, thus jam it in its new position. I leave the Tool with the Sound Post at this time. Make sure the sound post is set at desired location.
8. I tighten the E string to ensure the sound post is held tight, then turn the Tool handle to open and remove.