VIOLIN: Care of Instrument

VIOLIN: Care of Instrument

String instruments are delicate and subject to such influences as temperature, humidity
and careless handling.

The following suggestions are offered for their care.

Never close the case on a violin or viola without first placing a cloth over the top of the instrument. 

Be sure you latch the case.

Never touch the bow hair with your hands. There should also be limited touching of the main body of the instrument. The oil in your body can ruin these parts. If fingerprints do get on the wood of the instrument, shine them off with a very soft cloth.

Keep the rosin wiped clean from the top of the instrument and strings with a soft cloth.

https://www.sharmusic.com/Shop-Shar/Accessories/Care/Cleaner-Polish-amp-Cloths/
Shar-Micropourous-Super-Cleaning-Cloth---Large-12-5-x-12-5-inches.axd

Always be sure the instrument is clean
before you put it away.

Always loosen the bow after use. 

http://blog.feinviolins.com/2011/06/bow-tension-how-much-is-enough.html

Tighten the bow the same number of turns 

when preparing to play.

http://blog.feinviolins.com/2011/06/bow-tension-how-much-is-enough.html

http://www.learninghowtoplaytheviolin.com/violin-bow-rosin-rehairing-maintenance.html

The sound post inside your instrument may fall down. 

http://bayberrymusic.com/blog/tag/violin/

If this happens, please notify your teacher immediately or take it to a string repairman.

Check the bridge weekly to make sure it is not leaning.

http://www.learninghowtoplaytheviolin.com/violin-bridge-is-mine-straight.html

http://www.fretlessfingerguides.com/position_violin_cello_bass_bridge.html

http://www.violinstudent.com/bridge.html

Check the fine tuners weekly to make sure they are 

not going into the wood.

http://www.bernardolearyviolins.co.uk/How%20to%20damage%20your%20violin.html

The instrument and bow should be kept in the case away from curious hands when not in use. The instrument should always either be in your hands or in the case.

Do not leave the instrument in the car unless absolutely necessary. Extreme hot weather will cause the
glue to melt and blister varnish.

Violin Left in a Car: 

Varnish melted creating

a wet smeared finish.

Do not glue any part of the instrument for any reason.

Please do not attempt any home repairs
without consulting the teacher.

Long fingernails not only make the instrument impossible to play well but can put permanent scratches in the wood. Please keep your fingernails short.
https://www.facebook.com/PotterViolinCompany/videos/973939432628489/