Stringed Instrument Care Tips

The following information is to help you look after your instrument. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require further advice. If any damage occurs to your instrument please DO NOT attempt "D.I.Y." as instrument repair is a highly skilled job and you could easily worsen the situation.


TUNING

Unless you know what you are doing it is easier for children to tune only using the adjusters. These are the small round screws on the tailpiece. This should be adequate for day to day practice. Tuning with the pegs is best left to the teacher. If you need any help please bring the instrument into the shop.


BOW

Use the screw to tighten the tension as directed by the teacher. The stick should always curve inward towards the hair. Never over-tighten the bow or the stick will break. When the bow is not in use always loosen the hair in order to retain the spring in the stick. Bows must be re-haired from time to time, as hair stretches and breaks with time. Your teacher will guide you as to when this is necessary. Please take care of the bow- it is easily damaged and replacement is costly.
Rosin should be applied to the hair regularly. A new block of rosin is shiny in appearance and the surface needs to be roughened with sandpaper before use. Try not to get too much rosin on your hands or the instrument as it is very sticky.

STRINGS

Do not panic if a string breaks! They are easily replaced and we can normally fit new strings for you in the shop while you wait. Strings should be replaced from time to time even if they do not break, as their playing quality deteriorates. Ask your teacher or contact us if you need advice.


CLEANING

After use always carefully wipe away any rosin left on the belly of the instrument with a soft cloth or duster. On the strings it is best to use a lint-free cloth to wipe away rosin. This is because rosin is very sticky and the fibres of a normal duster will stick to the string. A build up of these fibres will cause the strings to sound dull, hence shortening their life span.

GENERAL CARE

When the instrument is not being played, always keep it safely in the case. Never cram anything extra into the case, like music, as this could cause pressure on certain parts of the instrument, resulting in damage. Not all violin cases are designed to hold shoulder rests, so if yours looks as if it may not fit the case, do not try and force it. Store all instruments in an even temperature, away from radiators and direct sunlight. Do not leave in a car overnight or anywhere else cold or damp.

REMEMBER - if you need further advice, we are only a phone call away!

ALAN GREGORY
MUSIC AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
196 MOSELEY ROAD, FALLOWFIELD, MANCHESTER M14 6PB
TELEPHONE: 0161 224 8915