Music
Caring for Your Violin
20 Tips and Tricks to keep YOUR Stringed Instrument in Tip Top Shape
– contributed by Jamie Hacker
- Keep violin an bow in case when not in use.
- Always loosen your bow before placing it in the case.
- Rosin your bow only when needed…not every play.
- Aways wipe rosin from bow, violin, and strings after each play.
- Keep bridge at 90 degrees to the top plate. Keep it square with fingerboard.
- Check bridge for alignment with fingerboard and FF hole notches each day.
- If post falls down, loosen strings immediately.
- If fingerboard comes unglued, loosen strings immediately.
- Handle the violin only by the neck or chin rest area.
- Change strings approximately every six months (depending on amount of play time).
- Get the bow rehaired every six months for optimal performance (depending on amount of play time).
- Learn to use the Pegs (and don’t rely entirely on the fine tuners)
- Remember, your instrument is only comfortable where you are! (Are you comfortable in a car trunk?) Environmental care will prevent post cracks!
- Handling by anyone other than the player does most damage to the violin, viola, or cello!
- Don’t monkey with another’s fiddle!
- Accidental Damage: Most always caused by careless handling or rough-housing. One drop on concrete can TOTALLY DESTROY A VIOLIN.
- NEVER ….NEVER USE THE BOW AS A WALKING STICK OR SWORD!…HOLD THE TIP UP OR AS INSTRUCTED!
- LOVE your violin and it will repay you many times over in pleasure. RESPECT your instrument and be respectful of those next to you.