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The carving of each bridge reflects professional refinement, designed to not only enhance the performance of the instrument, but also add an aesthetic appeal. Things to note include the elegant opening of the eyes and heart, the way the feet are trimmed to perfectly fit the contour of the top, the graceful curves and beveled edges of the sides, the slim taper and subtle breasting of the bridge face, decorative cuts above the feet and around the heart, a protective circle of parchment for the E-string, and burnishing of the bridge. While all these distinctive touches take time and a high degree of skill (and talent), this devotion to detail and perfection is part of what marks Knilling as a genuine specialist in string instruments. Strings All Knilling step-up and master violins and violas come standard with premium perlon core strings. Because synthetic core strings have much greater elasticity than steel core strings, string adjusters are not typically used; only an E-string adjuster is necessary. However, for those who so desire, our Knilling Custom Shop can install additional string adjusters and, should particular strings be preferred, we can accommodate almost any request. Celli and basses come with premium chrome steel strings. Because the standard strings do have steel cores, all master celli come with four patented Buschmann fine tuners. Special requests for strings are welcome; for example, a popular substitution for celli are Jargar or Larsen A and D strings. Pegs Step-up and master instruments present an opportunity to complement the premium tonewoods and refined craftsmanship with tastefully ornamented pegs, tailpiece, chinrest and endpin, which add both visual and aesthetic appeal. Hillstyle, Parisian eye, brass diamond inlay ebony, rosewood, boxwood or tintul wood components are a few of the many options available. "The credit in life goes not to the critic who stands on the sidelines and points out where the strong stumble. But rather the real credit in life goes to the person who's actually in the arena, whose face is marred with sweat and dust, who knows great enthusiasm and devotion for life and learns to spend himself at a worthy cause. If he wins, he knows the thrill of great achievement, and if he loses, at least he loses while daring greatly so that his place in life will never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." Theodore Roosevelt