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The article discusses the basic parts of a violin and how the instrument functions and releases sound. It also tackles how the shape of a violin's top arch affects its motion, which in turn affects the character and sheer power of its sound. It also discusses the importance of the violin's brass bar and soundpost in the quality of its sound.

The article discusses the functional and aesthetic purposes of the art of purfling on musical instruments. Topics discussed include the reference to the three-ply black-white-black purfling strips at the top and back of the instrument, the signature purfling to cellos made by Ruggieri or Mateo Goffriller as well as the practical function of preventing cracks propagation with the changes in temperatures and humidity. Also mentioned the dyed pearwood, whalebone and wax on paper materials.

The article focuses on making fiddles with the fingerboard as the part where one has the most contact with the instruments and therefore has to be done exactly right. Topics discussed include the need for the fingerboard's roundness to be exactly the same for the entire length, the need for makers to remove some wood to make room for its motions since the vibrating string is an arc and the fingerboard as the perfect place where a graphite substitute may be developed.

The article offers tips on caring for a violin or cello's bridge. Topics discussed include the costs of a cello bridge, the bridge representing a balance of flexibility and strength and has the ability to withstand the pressure of the strings, the role of the strings in preventing warpage of the bridge, tips on changing the strings and replacing one string every two days.

The article discusses the importance of insurance coverage when buying or selling a musical instrument or bow. Musicians are advised to have their own coverage even if the shop they are dealing with has a policy that covers them during the tryout period. When selling a fiddle or bow on consignment, having detailed contract that specifies the exact terms, including the amount it is to be sold for is stressed.

The article discusses how to keep a brand-new violin get better as time goes by. It notes that most changes in new instruments happen by the time they are tried out and luthiers have learned that an instrument's first sound does not mean much. It indicates that the instrument is personalized by the player who is learning to play the instrument and will customize it to what suits them. It points out that sound is subjective and to get the best sound, one has to learn slowly and intuitively.

The article discusses five instrument measurements that should be considered in buying the right-sized viola. These are the string length, body length, stop length, bout width and rib depth. It states that choosing the right-sized viola with the optimum measurements will help prevent strain and possible nerve damage. It will also make the viola player comfortable and able to perform at peak capacity.

The article discusses how proper string height can maximize the sound of an instrument. It details the physical and psychological effects of having a string that is too high, and shows how to evaluate string height. The article discusses how to measure string height, the need to know the difference between the soreness of normal exertion and real pain, and the importance of testing the instrument before leaving the repair shop.