Strange G string response.

[polkat]

As an amatuer luthier I've done a lot, but of course don't know that much. I have a violin here that has very nice tone and balance from the D string to the E string, but the G string is quieter, somewhat muffled, and produces many harmonics all the way up the fingerboard. The bassbar looks normal and I have not attempted moving the post as I don't want to spoil the balance/tone of the other strings.

This may sound stupid, but I have not yet changed the strings. Is it possible for a G string to 'just go dead?' I think they are rather old, but I don't want to fool myself by changing string and getting the same effect. Any ideas?

Thanks!

[Wm. Johnston]

I think that the first thing to try would be a new, or even just a newer used g-string lying around the shop, after all this is the most easily reversible thing that you can try out. It's also quick and easy to do compared to everything else you might be thinking about doing.