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General Care and Maintenance
Treat Your Instrument WellThink of your instrument like a person. Just as you wouldn’t leave a person in a hot or cold car, avoid leaving your instrument in extreme temperatures. Winter: Cold can cause cracks. Summer: Heat can melt varnish or weaken glue. Temperature Changes: Rapid shifts from hot to cold or dry to humid can cause serious damage. Soundpost CareInside string instruments is a small wooden stick called the soundpost. It helps transfer vibrations and keeps the top of the instrument from caving in. If the soundpost falls, loosen the strings immediately to prevent damage. Humidity MattersWhen traveling to dry areas, use a damp-it or case humidifier to keep the wood from drying out and cracking. Regular humidification is only necessary if you live in a low-humidity area. Bridge MaintenanceThe bridge must stay perpendicular to the body of the instrument. When tuning, it may lean toward the scroll side. If it warps, it will need to be replaced. A warped bridge can lead to serious damage, so monitor its position closely. Cleaning Your InstrumentAfter playing, wipe off excess rosin with a soft cloth. If rosin builds up, it can damage the varnish and affect sound quality. Avoid household cleaners, especially alcohol, as they can ruin the varnish. The only safe cleaner is Simple Green, which is safe for strings and varnish. Never use furniture polish, as it often contains harmful ingredients. Avoid StickersDo not place stickers on the body of the instrument. It’s okay to use them on the neck and fingerboard, but they can severely damage the varnish on the body. String ReplacementStrings should be replaced when they sound false, unwind, or break. Consult your teacher if you're unsure. As a beginner, let your teacher handle tuning to avoid breaking strings. When ordering new strings, know your preferred brand and which specific strings you need. Check the Bridge When TuningAlways check the bridge for warping while tuning. It should form a 90-degree angle with the top of the instrument. If it’s warped, take it to your teacher or a violin shop for adjustment. Bow CareAlways loosen the horsehair on the bow before putting it away. If you’re getting a rehair, let the luthiers know if you’ll be traveling to a different climate, as they consider humidity levels when adjusting bow hair length.
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