How to Fix the Vibrating Sound on a Cello

The vibrating sound on a cello is also known as the wolf tone. It is a normal part of a properly functioning cello. The vibrations occur from the natural resonance that occurs when a specific pitch matches the natural resonance of the cello. All acoustic instruments have a natural resonance, but the cello with its lower pitch creates additional sympathetic vibrations, creating a buzzing or vibrating sound. Some professional cellists accept the sound as being a natural product of the instrument, while others apply a small clip to the vibrating string to eliminate the vibrations.

Things You'll Need

• Wolf tone eliminator

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Locate the string that is causing the vibration by playing a chromatic scale, slowly starting with the lowest string and moving up to the highest string.

   • 2

     Obtain a wolf tone eliminator and place it on the vibrating string just below the bridge. The piece has a slit on the side that makes it possible to slide it onto the string.

   • 3

     Tighten the wolf tone eliminator by turning the screw located on top of the device. Once the device is secure, play a few scales on the string to ensure it is securely in place. If the device slips, tighten the screw further.