Caring for your Violin

Wooden instruments require a lot of careful attention. They are built from materials that exert pressure on one another, and they also vibrate almost constantly. So structural changes take place, even with the best of care. Here are a few things you can do to help avoid wreaking havoc on your instrument:

1. Keep it clean by using only a soft, dry cloth. Wipe off rosin buildup daily.

2. Try to keep the temperature and humidity even. If you can, avoid sudden changes. You can do this by

o    Storing the instrument away from direct sunlight

o    Using a Dampit in the winter

o    Leaving the case closed for at least 15 minutes if you’ve just traveled or carried your instrument in cold weather and the case feels cold.

o    Never, ever leaving the instrument in your car.

3. Do not ever put your instrument in the trunk of the car. In the summer, it’s too hot; rosin will melt and glued parts become loose. Sometimes the varnish will even soften to the point that it sticks to the case! In cold weather the instrument may crack.

4. Perform a visual check every few weeks to be sure that:

The bridge is standing straight (90° ). Bridges move when we tune the strings; they must be straightened, or they will warp.

The soundpost is standing parallel to the bridge. If you have lost some of your projection, it’s probably due to a soundpost change. Many instruments need summer and winter soundposts and bridges.

Strings are smooth with no jagged edges or unwound covering. Strings need to be changed once or twice per year.

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