The best wolf note eliminator: the Krentz Modulator

The most effective and player friendly solution for wolf notes

Wolf Notes

Wolf notes can be a natural feature of a violin, viola or cello. A cause of the intrinsic dimensions and thicknesses of the instrument, a wolf note can make players shy away from certain pitches as the vibrations clash with each other, causing a groan, whistle or harmonic.

Most common with cellos, especially around f sharp on the C & G strings, but also possible on violas and violins, they are a feature of instruments good and bad and can be dealt with in different ways.

Thankfully, Krentz String Works have made the simplest, most effective, player friendly solution to wolf notes with their Modulator.

Notes from the luthier

As experts in sound adjustment at Ruschil London, we are always trying to get the best out of every instrument to meet the specific demands of the player. With a multitude of tones available and desired from each musician, we want to maximise the tone, whilst making sure that the player can play every note without worrying about wolf tones.

In the past, wolf notes were removed using tricks of the workshop; adjusting measurements, introducing tension, changing the balance of the instrument or gluing eliminators inside the instrument. These can work but also upset the balance of the violin, viola or cello for the player. The Krentz modulator is a revelation as it is so simple, effective and player friendly.

How to install one

The player can install the device by themselves. It come as a small, two part magnet with felt to protect the instrument’s varnish and is dropped in through the f hole eye. As it is magnetic, it can be moved around by the player to choose their desired tone and how much of the wolf note they would like to remove. This is especially impressive and customer friendly. It can even be turned “off” if required by moving it to the side.

To remove and store the device is simple, just slide it back out through the lower eye of the bass f hole.

How they work

“The top of the instrument vibrates in different places for different notes. It is most active here in the wolf register of the cello. Imagine this excited vibrating area like a trampoline. Rather than simply putting something in the center of the trampoline to stop it, the Krentz Modulator operates at the springs on the side. This changes the vibration instead of simply absorbing them.”

Krentz Modulators are handmade in the USA and are only available in store at the Ruschil workshop. If you would like to try one out on your violin, viola or cello for free before purchasing, follow the link below to make an appointment: