Instrument Maintenance

String Replacement: 

Many rental companies replace broken strings for free if the student brings the instrument to their shop. Students renting from Shar can have their string replaced at school.  Strings range in price based on the instrument and the quality level of brand selected.  Violins and Violas break strings the most frequently and are recommended to keep and extra set of strings in their case at all times.  Rental companies may be willing to give you a free set if you ask.  You can easily order strings online from stores such as Shar after receiving brand recommendations from your teacher. 

Instrument Condition: 

An instrument in good working condition is absolutely essential to the student’s progress. The student should see their director whenever there is a question about a necessary repair or maintenance.  Before making any purchase please contact your teacher or your private teacher for recommendations on brands, styles, sizes, stores, etc.  Please become familiar with our Instrument Condition Checklist.

What does it mean for an instrument to be in “good working condition?” 

• The instrument and bow are the correct size for the student.

• The violin/viola student’s shoulder rest is the correct size for their instrument.

• The instrument appears clean and with no visible cracks or deep scratches on the instrument.

• No stuck-on rosin on the strings.  It affects the sound and should be cleaned after every use.

• 4 fine tuners that work smoothly (the bass does not have fine tuners)

• Pegs are fitted properly and work smoothly – they don’t stick and they don’t slip

• Strings are in good condition.  If the sound quality diminishes, the winding on a string appears to be coming off, or a string looks very discolored, it is time to replace the string. 

• There is plenty of bow hair left on the bow and the hair is fairly clean. If there is only a thin strip of hair left or the bow hair has dark marks on it, it is time to re-hair the bow or get a new bow. 

• The bow screw turns properly and tightens the hair the right amount.

• The instrument case is in good condition.  Make sure it holds the bow away from the instrument, that it closes securely, and that the zippers (if any) work.

Maintenance you can do yourself: 

• Clean off the rosin dust from the strings and body of the instrument after every use 

• Loosen the bow after every use and occasionally wipe the rosin dust from the underside of the stick 

• If you cannot get all of the rosin off the strings with a cloth alone, rub it off with a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth occasionally but do not let the alcohol touch the body or fingerboard. 

• If the body of the instrument has a lot of sticky spots of built-up rosin please bring the instrument to your director who can provide you with some special instrument cleaner. This should be used rarely.

Things you should not do yourself: 

• Never attempt to repair the instrument yourself.  Always bring it to your teacher to look at first. 

• Don’t attempt to tune the instrument if you have not learned how to do so yet.

• Never allow anyone to repair your instrument other than your teacher or a trained professional.

• Never leave your instrument outside its case when not in use.

• Never leave your instrument in a very hot or cold place (such as a car) for more than a few minutes – it could be badly damaged.