Stringed instruments are delicate and must be treated with care to maintain proper playing condition. Here are some things to consider when caring for your stringed instrument:
♫ This instrument is YOUR responsibility- never allow anyone else to play with/touch it.
♫ Stringed instruments are sensitive to extremes in temperature and humidity. Storing your instrument where it is too hot, cold, damp or dry will cause the wood to crack, warp or come unglued. (ie- cold, damp basements or hot cars are not good places for your instrument to live!) ♫ Make sure the zippers/clasps/buttons on violin/viola cases are securely fastened before picking the case up, to avoid the instrument tumbling out onto the floor. ♫ Avoid touching the hair of the bow. |
♫ It is safest to store your instrument in its case when not in use to avoid accidental damage. Do not store it on a high shelf where it may fall.
♫ Wipe the rosin off after use with a soft cloth. Rosin will eat away at the strings and wood. ♫ Loosen the bow when not in use. ♫ When setting cellos and basses down, always lay the instrument on its side, NOT its front (the bridge side) or back. Always be sure to put the endpin in, so no one trips over your instrument. |
Occasionally, accidents may happen. If something breaks or falls off your instrument or your bow, please bring it to me right away! DO NOT try to fix it yourself. I can fix many smaller issues for you, or I will advise you to take it to a shop for repair. Additionally, periodically check your instrument for wear-and-tear damage that may need my attention.
Handling your instrument-
Humidity-
How to tighten and loosen your bow-