Instrument Care

Instrument Care/Upkeep

Keeping them safe

If properly cared for, instruments and bows can last forever. Instruments made before 1600 are still being played on. Even though remarkably durable, they require maintenance to stay in their optimum playing condition and can easily suffer damage if they are not being cared for. Always keep in mind that damage is what reduces value. The most important thing you can do is not to take either the instrument or bow for granted. By far, the greatest part of the repairs that goes to the shop stem from inattention or carelessness. Much of it is during rehearsals. A violin and viola left on a chair is vulnerable to being knocked to the floor, while a cello left on its edges is asking to be kicked over. Never, ever leave a violin dangling from a music stand by its scroll. The best course is to put them back in the case when they are not being used. Be sure to put the instrument in its case properly; a violin can be severely damaged just by the lid of the case falling or by the restraining neck strap of cello case that has been left standing up, coming undone and the instrument tumbling out. Keep the instrument out of the direct sun and away from heaters and vents and do not, under any circumstances, leave it in the car. Not being insulated, the trunk of a car can get extremely hot or cold very quickly.

Keeping them Clean

When done playing, use a soft cloth to wipe off any perspiration or rosin. If there seems to be a lot of rosin then the rosin is being used too much. Rosin works best when used sparingly. Violin varnish is quite susceptible to wear and perspiration, which can be extremely corrosive. Avoid using commercial cleaners and polishes, for they leave a residue that absorb dirt and create an unpleasant second layer of varnish. Instead use polish designed specifically for string instruments. The instrument might have to be professionally cleaned once a year or so.

The Bow

When done playing, the rosin always needs to be wiped from the stick and the bow hair needs to be completely loosen before it is put away. Avoid touching the hair, as the oil from hands and fingers will reduce its ability to grab the strings. How often a bow needs to be re-haired will vary. The average is around every 12 months, but it can be more frequently if it has been played a lot. The bow hair definitely needs to be re-haired if it doesn’t seem to grab the string as it once did. Keep an eye on the leather grip by the frog; if it has worn through, take it to a shop so it can be replaced. A close eye should also be kept on the ivory faceplate on the head of the bow. A wedge inserted in the head underneath the hair is what holds it in place and the ivory is crucial in reinforcing the head. If a crack goes unprepared, the head might split.

The Pegs

The pegs are shaped so that their taper fits exactly in the peg hole. They should turn smoothly and hold without undo forcing. If they stick, peg dope may be used to lubricate them but do so sparingly because too much peg dope will make the pegs slip. If the pegs are slipping, they need to be looked at. Don't try to jam them in the peg hole to make them hold or knock them free if they are stuck because there is a risk of splitting the peg box.

The Bridge and Sound Post

The bridge and sound post are custom made for the instrument. They are not glued on; it's the pressure that keeps them in place. The strings keep the bridge from moving. It is very important to keep the bridge straight because it can easily warp.

The sound post is wedged between the top and the back, just behind the treble foot of the bridge. It is adjusted to find the balance, focus, and response of the strings. Don't try to move it because irreversible damage can be easily done to the top or the back, aside from having the post fall down. Adjusting a sound post properly takes years of practice and experience.

Sometimes after an abrupt change in the weather, particularly in the fall, all the strings may have come loose. If the bridge or sound post have moved, or if they have fallen down, put a soft cloth between the tailpiece and the top, take off the bridge, and bring the instrument with the bridge to me to set it back up. If the bridge does break (it almost never happens) do not glue it back together. There is no glue that can hold against the pressure exerted on it. Take it to a shop, and they will make a new one for the instrument.

Humidity

Changes in humidity can be quite damaging to the instrument or bow. Wood and horsehair shrink when it gets dry, and glue softens when the air is excessively hot and damp. The problem can not be eliminated, but it can be mitigated. Air conditioning helps reduce excessive humidity. As for dryness, room humidifiers can help, as well as commercial products like "Dampits." Always loosen the hair on the bow; the weather can turn dry enough overnight to shorten the hair so much that it can pop the head of the stick. Occasionally a part of the top or back of the instrument will come unglued from the sides. If it does get an opening, take it to a shop: attempting to glue it at home together can cause real damage.

Buzzes

A string instrument, put simply, is an amplifier: the whole reason it’s there is to make the vibrating strings audible. The problem is that in doing so it amplifies all vibrations and with other one hundred twenty separate parts, there is a lot on the violin to vibrate. If the instrument has developed a buzz, check the tuner, a loose chinrest or for an openings on the bout. Also make sure that it isn't a button on the shirt or an earring that is being worn (more common than people might think). If the buzz can't be found, ask me to take a look.