Your instrument is your baby. You should take very good care of it. Some of this may seem like common sense, but you never know.

The Case

When not in use, keep the instrument in its case. Hanging from the shower rod: not a good idea.

Never force the case closed. If you have to force it shut, something's wrong. Fix it, don't make the problem worse by breaking something.

Do not keep music, programs, or liquid polish inside the case. Or gum. Remove shoulder rest before placing in case. Duh.

Vacuum case periodically to remove rosin particles.

The Instrument

Do not expose instrument to extreme heat, cold, dampness, or dryness.

Do not leave your instrument in the car. Especially in summer and winter, if you go inside, take your instrument with you. Set it in the seat next to you.

Handle instrument at its neck and chin rest or endpin. You don't want someone picking you up by your hair: don't pick your instrument up by the strings.

Check regularly the position and angle of the bridge. If bridge does not stand at right angle to top of instrument (i.e. leaning slightly towards tailpiece), ask instructor or instrument repair person to adjust.

Wipe rosin and perspiration from instrument with a soft cloth after each use.

If you notice a crack in the instrument or the soundpost has fallen down:

1. Do not play on the instrument.
2. Loosen pegs to reduce string tension at once.
3. Take the instrument to a qualified string repair person as soon as possible. Always keep an extra set of strings as replacement for broken or worn strings.

The Bow

Tighten bow to playing tension, careful to maintain the inward curvature of the stick. If it curves outward, you're trying to make it into the wrong kind of bow.

Loosen hair sufficiently to release tension on stick when not in use.

Do not touch bow hair; natural skin oils will make the hair slick and resistant to rosin. I know it looks pretty and smooth, but hands off.

Apply rosin by "bowing" firmly and slowly on rosin cake. A little rosin applied regularly is better than a lot of rosin applied infrequently. It's like eating; have some food every day and don't pig out.

Do not drop, wave, or lean on bow. It's not a cane or a sword.

Have bow rehaired at least once a year or when bow hair becomes worn or broken.

Knowing how to care for your instrument can increase its longevity and value over time. Treat it well and it may do the same for you.