Regardless of if you are renting an instrument from us, or using a personal or school instrument it’s normal to feel concerns about maintaining the good condition you received it in. Here are some guidelines to help you along the way.
1) Keeping your instrument clean.
Even if your instrument is in a case, normal playing of it will leave fingerprints and rosin on the instrument. You can clean these off of your instrument with a microfiber cloth or even a tight cotton knit material (such as a well washed T-Shirt).
Make sure the cloth is regularly changed or cleaned, if not you will easily rub old dirt and rosin onto the instrument instead of cleaning it. If done frequently with a clean cloth you shouldn’t need to use any cleaners and polishes on the instrument. A few moments of your time on a regular basis is all you should need
2) Storing of the instrument.
Your instrument should come with a case to store it in. Not only does this help reduce any surface or structural damage to the instrument but it also can help maintain a stable humidity level for your instrument.
In our local area in Southern Oregon we have a dry climate. For advice on how to combat this issue locally please give us a call or Make an Appointment through our website.
If the instrument will be stored outside of the case here are a few things to keep in mind.
a) Do not keep the instrument near any unstable heating or cooling. An air-conditioning unit, fireplace, or frequently opened window can cause lasting damage to the violin if not monitored frequently.
b) If the instrument must be stored outside the case, make sure that it’s secured to a stand, or on a wall hanger. If possible keep a houseplant near the instrument. Houseplants can help to create a more stable humid environment, and as a side effect, also help beautify your practice area.
3) Bow Care.
When playing your instrument your bow should be tightened to use. When finished playing and before storing in the case always loosen the bow hair to avoid the stick warping or snapping under pressure. If the screw on your bow won’t tighten, never force it. There are various causes to this happening and it’s safest to bring it to a skilled Luther who can asses the problem before it causes long term damage.
Never touch the horsehair (described sometimes as strings) on your bow, as oils from your skin will grab onto the rosin in the hair and take away its ability to grab the strings.
Avoid touching anywhere your bow touches the instrument as well (where the bow makes contact with the strings) as the oil can transfer back onto the bow hair when later played. A bow should generally have the hair on it cleaned every year at least, and the hairs themselves replaced every 2-3 years or depending on the wear and playability of them. More frequent players may find they enjoy having more regular bow rehairs as it can add to the vibrancy of the bow.
4) Tuning your Instrument
For a more detailed introduction to tuning your instrument please see our article on tuning or visit us in person for a complimentary tutorial.
Some general reminder however are as follows:
a) Always be be cautious when tuning with pegs instead of fine tuners. Most bowed instrument pegs are not mechanical, so tuning them can involve a learning curve. We recommend either downloading a digital app (there are many free versions available) or investing in a digital chromatic tuner. This can help you avoid breaking strings by over-tuning the instrument.
b) Never force your pegs during tuning as this can cause either the pegs, or the string to break. Lightly loosen the peg by tuning down (flat) first, and then gradually turning the peg upwards (sharp) while plucking or playing the string to monitor the changes.
These are just a few basic tips to maintain your instrument. We are always available for a conversation about things you can implement into your routine, or to help you get started on your music journey.
~Play On!
The Bellwood Family
