There are some pieces of equipment that you just can’t do your job without. You need your tools of the trade! Playing a string instrument is no different! In this article we’ll break down the 17 must-have accessories for string players that every serious player should have in their arsenal.
Bags
Carrying cases
Whichever string instrument you play, you’ll need a secure, sturdy case to carry it around in.
I recommend Bam cases, who provide cases for violin, viola, cello and double bass. These cases are very robust and will certainly protect your instrument against any knocks. They are a little more expensive than some other brands or a gig bag, but you won’t regret spending the money to protect your most prized possession.
Bam 2000XL
violin case
Sturdy, secure cases
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Purchase: Now and will last for many years
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Price level: High
- Very strong, reliable cases. Will keep your instrument safe-which is all that matters!
- very robust and will keep your instrument safe
- stylish design
- compact cases
- Higher price than some other brands
Case wheels
If you’re a double bassist, it’s likely you’ll need a wheel or buggy to help you move your instrument around without injuring yourself. They are also a good way to prevent damage to your bass. We’d recommend a Xeros Bass Transport Wheel. This fits into your endpin socket and will significantly simplify your commute, or between lessons for students.
Xeros Bass
Transport Wheel
Easy to assemble
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Features: Rubber Tire for Extra Grip on the Road
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Size: 10mm Diameter Suitable for Full Size Basses
- Steel Frame for Long Lasting Durability
- Simple Connection to Your Bass for Instant Use
- Low cost
- Will prevent injury and damage to your instrument
- Valve to pump up tyre
- May need replacing after lots of use
In-case humidifier
Humidifiers are a great way to ensure that your instrument will not dry out in the warmer months. This will prevent damage and cracks appearing in the wood. The brand we recommend is ‘Dampit’. This is a rubber hose with a water absorbing sponge. They are not expensive, and we advise every string player to purchase one!
Dampit humidifier
A simple way to prevent damage-
Protect Your Instrument: From cracking and warping
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Humidity Card: Lets you know when you need to use the Dampit
-Place inside your instrument’s ‘f holes’ to increase humidity
- Can also improve your instrument's tone
- Easy to use
- Will prevent injury and damage to your instrument
- Can require a lot of soaking initially
We also suggest purchasing a hygrometer to use in conjunction with your Dampit. This device lives in your case and gives you both the temperature and humidity of the environment your instrument is living in, meaning you can maintain ideal conditions. The Stretto hygrometer/thermometer is our recommendation for an easy to use device.
Stretto digital
hygrometer
/thermometer
A simple way to prevent damage
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Records: High/low temperatures
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Monitors: Results at any time
- Internal clock records time of minimum/maximum temperature or humidity
- Effective system for a safe and consistent humidity level
- Easy to use
- Can set levels for minimum/maximum temperature or humidity
- Will require you to replace batteries
Maintenance kits
I’d recommend the following items in order to maintain your instrument.
Rosin
No string player could live without a tub of good quality rosin for them to apply to their bow in their hour of need! This is another one of the must haves. There are many brands available for each instrument, but my choice (for all instruments) is the D’Addario Kaplan. This rosin provides a warm, bright sound and only requires a few strokes, unlike some brands which require hours of application!
Violin & Viola Rosin
D'Addario Kaplan-
BONUS: It comes with a premium case
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BONUS: Case designed for one-handed use
Cello & Bass Rosin
D'Addario Kaplan-
BONUS: It has a brilliant case
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BONUS: Designed for one-handed use
Uses the original recipe handed down from Ladislav Kaplan
Low dust
The TedScore™: 10/10
- Amazing case
- Low Dust
- Is a pleasure to use
- None!
Dry cloth
Of course, rosin can build up on your instrument and this requires removal by a cloth which will not damage the wood. You should clean your instrument every time you put it back in its case in order to maintain cleanliness – this will also improve the sound as dirt will not build up. The Music Nomad cleaning cloth is a microfiber cloth which can be used on your instrument, strings or bow and is very soft, so will not damage your precious instrument.
Music Nomad
Premium Microfiber Polishing Cloth-
Material: Untreated Premium Microfiber Suede
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Great For: Cleaning & Polishing Your String Instrument
- Size: 12" x 12"
- Stitch Free & Non-Linting
- Popular and Trusted Brand
- Contains 90,000 cleaning microfibers per square inch
- Will clean your instrument effectively without causing damage
- Stylish design
- Just works really well!
- None!
As well as a cloth to remove dirt and rosin, you’ll also require a good quality varnish cleaner, to ensure that your instrument remains shiny and looks its best. We’d recommend Hill & Sons Varnish Cleaner, as it’s cheap, very effective and will remove any dirt or fingerprints, leaving an attractive glow on your instrument.
Hill & Sons
varnish cleaner
Will keep your instrument looking great
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Tackles: Stubborn Grease and Rosin Stains
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Suitable For: Violins, Violas, Cellos & Double Basses
- Easy to apply to your instrument
- Made in the UK
- Will not damage the wood
- Will improve your instrument’s sound and look
- Only available in a small bottle (25ml)
Every string player must have a spare set of strings handy in case of disaster! It’s a necessity. There are so many options available for each instrument, but I have chosen D’Addario Helicore as our favourite. These strings have a bright, penetrating sound without the metallic colour of some other brands. They fit well in terms of price between the expensive strings, and the cheap nasty strings; and the sound they produce is worth more than their cost in my opinion.
D'Addario Helicore
String Set-
Purchase: Every 6 months or so, depending on use
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Price level: Medium
- One of the most versatile stranded-steel core strings available
- Groundbreaking core technology engineered by D'Addario
- The most popular string for advancing student players
- High quality strings
- Professional standard sound
- Higher price
- Sound can worsen quickly if used a lot
Tuning and rhythm
The following are two accessories which are very useful for your practice sessions. Some are available as free apps instead of purchasing the accessories – but to be honest, the accessories will always provide a better experience…
Tuner
The first thing every musician (including beginners) has to do before they practice is check their tuning. If you have an electronic tuner, this is quick and easy.
The Swiff C2 Violin Clamp chromatic tuner clips onto your instrument and listens to you play each string, before the LCD screen shows you how much you need to sharpen or flatten the note. It’s easy to use and won’t break the bank.
Swiff C2 Violin Clamp
chromatic tuner
Fits all violin sizes
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Display: LCD Display is Clear in Low Lighting Venues
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Used For: Studio, Live or Practice Use
- Response Time of Under 20 ms
- Subtle Design Fits All Violin Headstocks
- 180 Degree Tuner Axis
- Easy to use compared to other tuners
- Stylish display
- Batteries will need replacing
Metronome
Many musicians spend hours practicing slowly, then gradually speed up to concert tempo. For this, you’ll need a good quality, easy to use metronome. I recommend buying the Korg MA-2 metronome. It is cheap, easy to use and has a clear display,
Korg MA-2
metronome
Multi-function compact metronome
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Up to: 400 hours of continuous operation
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Display: Larger and more easily readable display
- Enhanced volume and crisp sound for easier detection
- Equipped with 'timer' & 'sound out mode' for daily practicing
- Available in two colours: black and red, or blue and black
- Has a Tap Tempo function, making it super easy to use
- Earphone jack with adjustable volume
- Stylish display
- Compact - so easy to travel
- None!
The next two accessories are just for violin and viola players, as they are for instruments which you play under your chin. Cellists and double bassists fear not; the section after is just for you!
Chin rest
Almost all violin and viola players use chinrests, and these can be adjusted depending on what position you require on your instrument, or how tall you are. Many brands are available, but we recommend Wittner chin rests. These are affordable, anti-allergy, flexible and particularly useful for those violinists with longer necks.
Wittner Anti-Allergy
chin rest
Violin & Viola
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Material: Synthetic composite hypoallergenic and lightweight
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Built: Excellent German quality craftsmanship - built with precision
- Side-mounted with two snag-free legs - prevents your instrument being scratched
- Screwdriver included for quick and easy installation
- Particularly useful if you want a central chinrest
- Can require some adjustment before use
Shoulder rest
Shoulder rests are available in all shapes and sizes, so it can be difficult choosing the right one. The price of good shoulder rests vary greatly and you could spend a lot of money before finding a comfortable option. My choice is the Kun shoulder rest. This is a great option for those wishing to purchase a stylish, sound-enhancing shoulder rest which won’t cost too much.
Kun
Shoulder Rest
Suitable For Violin & Viola
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Can be used: On either a Violin or Viola
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Brand: Well trusted brand
- Know to be the most comfortable shoulder rest on the market
- Strong thermoplastic frame with a soft sponge rubber pad
- Rubber encased, metal feet
- Fully adjustable for height with a contoured shape
- Ergonomic shape and easy to attach
- Stylish design
- None!
Endpin stop or anchor
As promised, we now have a product which cellists and bassists will require to simplify their musical life considerably
There are so many different designs of spike holders or anchors available and it can be difficult knowing where to start looking. The key is to find one which will protect the surface you’re playing on, without compromising your instrument’s sound. The Rayzm cello spike holder is a great buy; it’s adjustable, portable and secure.
rayzm cello non-skid
Rayzm Cello End-Pin Stopper Strap-
Best feature: 4 stop holes help cellist quickly adjust to a proper playing position.
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Made of: Solid maple wood, the bottom side is covered with 3 mm thick EVA
- Strap adjustable length: 38 - 69 cm
- Reliable - won't slip
- Easy to use
- Fully adjustable
- Small to transport
- None!
BLACK HOLE
Black Hole Cello Endpin Stop-
Level: All levels
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No Need For: Belts and Strings Around Chair Legs
- Uses non slip technology
- Small, compact size
- Easy to use
- Only suitable for small endpins
- Not reliable on all floors
String Mutes
Practice mutes are designed to quieten your sound when practicing so as not to disturb neighbors, for example. They are larger and heavier than concert mutes. We recommend the Primavera Ultra practice mutes, as these are affordable and very effective.
Primavera Ultra practice mute
For All String Instruments-
Material: Made From Robust Rubber
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Strength: Medium-strength
- The mute by Primavera can be located on the bridge over the strings.