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There's a buzz in my instrument. Chances are, a buzz or rattling sound in the instrument is not caused by a loose bass bar, but something much more prosaic. Likely culprits include: loose sliding (Si-Hon-style) mute or loose string adjusters (don't forget to check the lock nuts, too), loose string winding, loose purfling or decorative fittings, loose or badly worn fingerboards (these often open at the base of the neck), and open seams or cracks. By holding the instrument by the neck and gently rapping all around the top and back, an open seam can often be located by the slight rattle it will emit. On celli, if too much of the endpin is retracted in the body, the pin may buzz when the instrument is played. When new violins are varnished, sometimes a bit of varnish dries in the narrow opening of the f-hole, and when the instrument is played, the dried varnish buzzes. What is a wolf tone? Wolf tones occur when strong sympathetic vibrations from the instrument itself interfere with string vibration. The sensationmay manifest itself in pulsation, throbbing, roughness, jump in frequency, or difficulty in drawing the tone from the instrument. To a greater or lesser degree, wolf tones are present on all instruments, even the finest Stradivari, caused by excess tension, or an anomaly in design or graduation. Typically, wolf tones can be heard (and felt) when playing B or B flat on the violin, B flat or C on the viola, and E to F sharp on the cello (especially in fourth position on the G-string, ). Most good players learn to compensate for the wolf tone; proper vibrato can often make the wolf disappear; cellists often simply squeeze the lower bout with a knee when playing in areas where the wolf lurks. What can I do if my instrument has a bad wolf tone? Adjusting or refitting the soundpost or bridge, installing a thicker soundpost, or fitting an internal wolf resonator can help tame the wolf, but, before taking drastic steps, try the following options: First, make sure that the instrument has no open seams or areas that have come unglued. A loose soundpost can often be the culprit, and may be caused by a loose bottom seam on the treble side, or even too much humidity, which causes the instrument to swell. Continue