Proper Care of Your Stringed Musical Instruments

For the musical player their instrument is everything and in order to hone the skills they need to practice continuously. In such a situation, frequent need for violin or cello repair will simply set you back. In most cases barring those where the instrument itself is faulty, proper maintenance and care can ensure optimal conditions at all times. Wood is the principal material used in the manufacture of these stringed instruments. This material is susceptible to changes in humidity and temperature. Contraction-expansion leads to inconveniences like open seams, buzzing sounds, and even major issues like the presence of cracks. To minimize the problems associated with humidity fluctuations some precautions to take can be as follows.

• Use of humidifier during winters, approximately 30%-40% is the optimal range
• If needed use supplements like evaporative wick, cool mist, or steam humidifiers
• During summer use air-conditioners to minimize humidity
• Ensure protection from high temperature, don't leave inside the car

Caring for the pegs

One of the most common problems faced by the players is presence of slipping or stiff pegs. This may happen due to any one of the following reasons namely,

1. Seasonal variations in humidity
2. Poor fit of pegs
3. Improper winding of strings

During winters, pegs will shrink and this in turn will result in slippage. Optimal rewinding of strings may help in such situations. If slippage continues, you will need to call an expert for refitting of the pegs.

Proper cleaning of instruments

Do you know that with regular care and cleaning you can minimize the violin repair needs significantly? Use dry cloth for removing rosin dust from strings and body built up of this can make the sound of the strings poor and mar the varnishes as well. When you use an over-rosined bow, grainy sounds emerge with visible rosin dust to let you know the cause behind such sound quality. It is wrong to use rosin every time when you play with the bow. Those who require extensive cleaning of instrument body can use a polish of the mild grade easily available at various shops.

Taking care of the strings

The sound and the playing of the instrument should always remain optimal and for this, you need to make sure that your strings are in good order. Frequent playing is important to maintain the brilliance and the warmth of the strings. For optimal performance and sound, good players tend to replace the strings every 6 months. Students can do this on an yearly basis. When you change strings, replace these one by one. It is important to give them few days break in period during which they will settle perfectly on the instrument.

Consideration of the bridge

These are wooden, carved supports holding strings at correct distance and height, helping in sound transmission from strings to body. Remember that these are fragile components to protect this from impact and it should remain upright at all times.

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About The Author

Tony McWilliams is a stringed musical instrument expert who likes to share his immense knowledge about the topic through the many articles and blogs he writes. His recommendation for buying cellos and violins for sale would be from ZaretAndSonsViolins.com

• the world renowned bass bar inventor company whose stringed instruments are considered to be top class by the music fraternity.