Caring for your String Instrument
Caring for your string instrument is not difficult if you understand a few basics. Remember that it is made of wood, and that it can easily be damaged if not handled with care. Bumping the instrument against other objects or rough surfaces may damage the wood, cause the bridge to slide out of place or even cause the sound post inside to fall down. The bridges and sound posts are not glued in place, but are held in place by the pressure of the strings, which allows them to be replaced and adjusted as needed. If an accident should occur, bring your instrument to an authorised repair center.
The Wood
Wood may expand in humid weather and contract as it dries which can affect how your instrument functions. Do not leave your instrument in a car during extreme hot or cold weather as this can damage the instrument and the finish. As such, if you do not intend to use your instrument for an extended duration, make sure it is stored in the protective case supplied with the instrument.
The Pegs
The pegs may stick in humid weather and not hold well in dry conditions. Pegs that will not hold may need to be pushed in gently while tuning to the proper pitch. Pegs may slightly back out and loosen if turned without applying this gentle inward pressure. Too much pressure could break the peg, damage the peg box or cause the holes in the peg box to enlarge and wear out prematurely. Be careful when using some fine tuners so they do not push against and damage the top of the instrument. It is good practice to apply a bit of graphite, to the pegs. Graphite, which you can get from pencils, are used as lubricating agents, thus preventing the pegs from 'sticking'.
The Strings
Every time you play and sometimes during practices and performances your instrument may need to be tuned. As the instrument warms up while playing the tuning may be slightly altered. Over time the strings will stretch, wear out and sometimes break. Strings have a limited lifespan and need to be replaced when they get frayed, damaged, corroded or have become old and lost their tone. Keeping your hands clean before and during use will help the strings last longer.
The Bow
Rosin should be applied to the bow to create drag on the strings. This is what makes the strings vibrate. The bow hair should not be touched because rosin will not stick if oils from your skin get on it. Not having enough rosin on the bow will result in faint and squeaky sounds. If too much rosin is used it will come off the bow and stick to the instrument. Wipe excess rosin off the instrument with a soft cloth. When putting the bow away, loosen the hair a little so it is not as tight as when you are playing. Leave slight tension to help keep the hair from getting caught on something, but not warp the bow. Keeping your hands clean before and after use will help the bow hair last longer.
The Case
Do not force the case lid shut. As most instrument cases are only large enough to hold the instrument, bow, rosin, and small accessories such
as a mute or pitch pipe, it is inadvisable to have objects such as pens and pencils in the case together with the instrument as it will damage the instrument when the case is closed. Shoulder rests are best carried separately unless there is ample room in the case or the case has a compartment to hold it. Papers or sheet music stored in the case may squeeze against the instrument causing the bridge to break or the instrument to crack. If you should notice a problem with your instrument.
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