Professional Setup
10 Steps From the Workbench to Your Hands
Where Old World precision meets modern playability
Every MI&VI Music instrument undergoes a 47-point luthier inspection. Below are the 10 sacred steps our master craftsmen consider non-negotiable:
1. The Dance of String Height
We measure to 0.1mm precision at the nut, bridge, and fingerboard—the holy trinity that determines whether an instrument sings or struggles. Our golden ratio: 3.5mm under the G string, 2.5mm under the E.
2. Bridge Marriage Ceremony
Each bridge spends 2+ hours being hand-fitted to your instrument’s unique arching. Using century-old thumb planes, we achieve a 96% contact surface—better than most concert instruments.
3. Fingerboard Topography
We carve the perfect "scoop" (0.3mm dip at mid-point) using glass-smooth planes. Tested with notched straightedges, our fingerboards eliminate buzzes before they can form.
4. E-String Armor
Our parchment isn’t just hide—it’s specially tanned calfskin aged for flexibility. Nearly invisible but crucial, it prevents the E string from becoming a bridge saw.
5. Groove Alchemy
Nut and bridge grooves are cut to 1/3rd of each string’s diameter using calibrated files. This "golden depth" maximizes vibration transfer without choking tone.
6. Pegbox Harmony
Pegs are fitted until they turn with "honey resistance"—smooth yet firm. We test with seasonal wood movement simulations to ensure years of stable tuning.
7. Tailpiece Symphony
The tailgut length is calculated to create perfect afterlength (55-57mm). Fine tuners are aligned at 15° angles for effortless micro-adjustments.
8. Soul Post Placement
Not just positioned—sculpted. Our soundposts are hand-fit to within 0.05mm of the bridge foot, tuned to the top’s tap tones for optimal response.
9. The 24-Hour Test
Instruments live in our climate-controlled chamber overnight, then receive a final play-test by our resident concertmaster. Any shift means re-adjustment.
10. Renaissance Finish
We use a 1700s-inspired polish of beeswax and lavender oil that protects without dampening vibrations—the same recipe used on our $15,000+ instruments.
Our Setup Promise
Every MI&VI Music instrument ships with:
- ✉️ Signed setup certificate by your luthier
- 📱 Free video consultation for first adjustments
- 🔧 90-day complimentary setup check
Questions? Contact our setup specialists:
626-437-7962 | info@mivistring.com