Fittings

Violin fittings refer to the parts that do not belong to the sound body as such but are needed for playability, and some of them are also important for the sound of the instrument. Fittings include end buttons, tailpieces with fine tuners, and pegs; they may be defined to include chin rests as well. In the case of violoncellos, fittings also include endpins with their holders. Fashion trends influence the shape and choice of wood for fittings, which are frequently replaced. Even minimal changes in the material or design of the tailpiece can have an impact on the instrument’s sound. Today, fittings are occasionally made of high-tech materials such as carbon fiber to optimize sound.