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Friday, March 21, 2014

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



This is what the post looks like in the violin as seen through the endpin hole.  Note the vertical alignment and good fit with the top and back.
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.
Image of side view of violin with arrows pointing to the tailpiece, the bridge leaning toward the fingerboard, the fingerboard, and the strings.
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.
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/