You can string a modern violin with gut strings with minimal changes to the instrument and achieve a very pleasing result. For more a detailed explanation please see my article: http://www.damianstrings.com/mounting.htm

With a little more effort it is possible to convert the violin to an instrument that is more similar to an instrument of the late baroque or early classical period. You do not need to change the bass bar or even the bridge. If you want to learn more, please read my little article on baroque set-up: http://www.damianstrings.com/baroque set-up.htm

What you should take away from that article is the importance of the design of the baroque tailpiece; the crucial factor of tailgut width; the height of the saddle and finally, the design of the endpin.

We can put together a conversion kit consisting of a properly designed and exquisitely finished baroque tailpiece with the correct diameter tailgut already tied into the tailpiece to create a loop neatly finished with silk thread. If necessary we can include an endpin turned so that the channel is wide enough to accept the tailgut.

You will need to take the saddle down so that it is nearly flush with the edge. This operation and the installation of the new tailpiece should be done by a luthier who may also have to re-set the soundpost because in all likelihood it will fall down when the strings are removed. The endpin will also need to be fitted to the tapered hole in the block.

When you finally string the violin with a set of gut strings you will be amazed at the sound, and wonder at how inexpensive time travel has become.

I would suggest a set of gut strings something like this:

e" 12 3/4
a' 16
d' 21
g silver 18

This would be a normal stringing for a violin in modern set up whether or not you decide to do the conversion.