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Instrument Maintenance


How To Care for Your Instrument

Humidity: Understanding the effects of humidity on an instrument is extremely important. During the winter months or in a very dry climate it is important that humidity be kept at least at 35% (50% is ideal). Instruments will crack if subjected to a very dry atmosphere and will have poor sound quality. Always keep your instruments away from heating devices. The use of a power-type humidifier is ideal. However, the type of humidifier which can be placed directly in your case or instrument, such as Dampit, Planet Waves or Stretto, is of some help if the case is kept closed when the instrument is not in use. In a damp climate or during the summer months try to keep your instrument in an air-conditioned room where the humidity is lower.

Temperature: Do not leave your instrument in a closed car or in a room where the temperature is very high. Intense heat can damage the varnish and even melt the glue which holds the instrument together. Allow some time for your instrument to adjust to temperature changes such as when transporting an instrument from the cold into a warm room. Rapid changes in temperature can cause cracks.

Pegs: Do not force a peg that will not move easily. To avoid problems use a peg compound such as Hills. Your violinmaker should be consulted to remove stuck pegs.

Fingerboard: It is natural for grooves to develop on fingerboards from playing. An instrument's fingerboard should be checked periodically to determine if it needs "dressing."

Bridge: Some players need two bridges for their instrument; one for the winter and one for summer. A proper fit and arch is most important. We suggest that your violinmaker make this change for you. Periodically, you will have to pull your bridge back to prevent it from warping. We are happy to show you how to do this.

Soundpost: Do not try to adjust the soundpost yourself; you could damage the top of your instrument. If the soundpost should fall, loosen the tension on the strings immediately and contact your repair person to have it properly set up and adjusted.

Polish: After you have finished playing, wipe from the strings and wood any loose rosin with a soft cloth. Occasionally use a polish and cleaner. It is important that excessive residue of polish not be left on the varnish.

Strings: We gauge all of our strings and will suggest to you the proper brand and gauge for your instrument.

General Checkups: Every six months, have your instrument looked at by a professional violinmaker to check for open seams, cracks and proper alignment of the bridge and post.