How to Fix the Vibrating Sound on a Cello

The wolf tone creates sympathetic vibrations. 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Check to make sure all of the fine-tuning pegs located at the bottom of the bridge are secure and not loose. Sometimes, vibration can occur because of these small tuners. Secure the pegs located at the top of the cello to ensure they are not loose. Loose pegs are obvious since the string will feel loose as well. Tighten them by pushing in and turning the peg away from the bridge. Do not use a wolf tone eliminator if it is missing the rubber piece that fits inside the metal casing. This can damage your strings.