Fixing a violin bridge and strings? Cost?

Question

My mom's violin has been in it's case, under her bead for the past 20 years. I got it out a little while ago to rescue it, and possibly fix it up for her. :P It's kinda pointless to fix it because I am not planning on learning the violin, and my mom is not really caring about it, but I know she will be interested in playing with it if it is fixed. Anyway I just feel bad for the violin. It's like an abused puppy..lol. But the bridge is no longer attached to the violin and 3 of the strings are broken. The bridge stays up fine under the tension of the remaining string, but not if I remove the remaining string. Is it supposed to be like that? (Forgive my ignorance, I know nothing about violins.) And how to I replace all of the strings? How much do new strings cost? If I have to take the violin in to a repair shop, how much will fixing the bridge cost (if it's even broken..)? For all of you violin players this is probably a dumb question to ask but the violin is not my specialty, lol) I will appreciate any answers given!

Answer 1

strings will cost depending on what type you get-you are learning get student strings

the bridge will stay under tension and should not be glued down. after 20 years i would take it to a shop for close inspection of any cracks due to dehydration and conditioning

Answer 2

Honestly, there's really no way anyone can tell you the cost without looking at the instrument.  But it won't cost you anything to take it to a luthier and ask them.  Look under "violin" in the Yellow Pages.  

Answer 3

The bridge is NOT supposed to be attached via glue, it simply stays in place via the tension of the strings. You may wan't to take it to a shop just to check for no cracks, sound post still straight etc. Also after 20years you may want to replace all the strings. If you take it to a violin shop they will replace the strings for you. Im not sure of cost because i live in NZ and it will be compleatley different. And no this is not a dumb question to ask! Hope this has helped a little :)