i accidently dropped my violin (complete accident, awful i know. i NEVER drop my instruments! and boy do i feel bad) and the bridge came out of place. i tried to slide it back but it flinged out. i've tried a few times to get it back but when i try tighten the strings to re-tune it it flings out. last time i tried was REAL close to having it fixed and tuned and it flicked back.
if i get someone to hold the bridge in place when i tune it, should it be okay then? and not fling out when they let go?
im not a strings person atal im a woodwind person, so it's hard! but my mum is trying to avoid sending it to get it repaired because of the cost.
any ideas? or perhaps someone could tell me just what i need to do to get it back in place?
thanks all! =]

http://www.elidatrading.co.uk/settingup.htm.

The above link goes to an article on how to put the bridge up on a violin. The only thing I would add is that if there are marks on the varnish showing where the bridge was before then use those to position it. Best of luck.

It shouldn't be difficult assuming the bridge fits in the first place - I do these most days. Have it leaning back towards the tailpiece because the tension of the strings pulls it forward. Do one string at a time - it's easiest and best to start with the E and G strings. If you're stuck then honestly any strings player should be able to do it, so try your teacher if you have one, or perhaps ask someone at school?

As for cost, unless something else is wrong (eg the bridge doesn't actually fit), or you get ripped off, it shouldn't cost much at all. It only takes a couple of minutes. I doubt if most repairers would even charge.

One last thing - try to avoid shaking it around too much while the bridge is down. If the soundpost collapses you are going to have to take it to a repairer.

Liz