Instrument Care
*Click on links above for Covid-19 Cleaning Guidelines
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String instruments are delicate and subject to such influences as temperature, humidity, and careless handling.
Keep these things in mind....
1. Never touch the bow hair or the wooden part of the instrument with your hands. The oil in your body can ruin these parts. If fingerprints do get on your instrument be sure to wipe them off with a soft cloth before you put your instrument away.
2. Keep the instrument away from heat, radiators, excessive heat, excessive cold, or quick changes in temperature. This will prevent your instrument from cracking in extreme temperatures, the varnish from melting in the heat, the bridge from falling, the strings from breaking, etc. If the temperature is uncomfortable for you, it is probably uncomfortable for your instrument.
3. Violins and violas should have a soft cloth or scarf placed over the instrument before the case is closed. This will prevent scratching from the bow holder while your instrument is inside the case.
4. Before putting your instrument away, be sure to wipe off any rosin dust from the bridge area and from the strings.
5. Always be sure your instrument is clean before you put it away.
6. Always loosen the bow hair after use. "Righty tighty, lefty loosey".
7. The instrument and bow should be kept away from “curious hands” when not in use.
8. Don’t leave your instrument in the car unless absolutely necessary and then be sure to put it in the trunk. Remember to check the weather. Temperatures that are too hot or too cold will ruin your instrument!
9. Do not use glue on any parts of your instrument for any reason. Please don’t attempt any home repairs. Check with Mrs. Rosenthal for help.