String Instrument Care
• Handling
• Always unpack violins and violas on the FLOOR.
• Hold basses and cellos carefully by neck and shoulders when unpacking.
• Take bows out of cases very carefully.
• Do not repair loose bridges, pegs, or chinrests. Let the teachers or repair shops perform this work.
• Please store all instruments on their sides. Please avoid "propping" anything up in a corner.
• Cellos and basses remember to put endpins inside ANYTIME the instrument is not being played.
• Keep instruments away from small children who may unknowingly damage them.
• Care of Wood
• Polish the red or brown wood with a special violin polish only. The instrument
probably only needs this every month and a half. "Cleaner" is rarely
necessary.
• Point out changes or cracks to teachers as soon as possible.
• Shoulder pads for violins and violas should be stored away from the wood of
the inistrument to avoid scrapes.
• Rosin
• Buy quality rosin if possible or use the rosin provided.
• Wipe powder off of wood and strings after each playing session. (It must remain on the bow hair.)
• Loosen bow after each playing session to prevent warping.
• Avoid touching the bow hair.
• Temperature/Humidity
• Keep at safe range 55-75° F.
• Avoid leaving instruments in an unattended car especially during hot weather.
• Store away from heating vents and gas heaters.
• Keep a small cloth over the f holes for violins and violas.
• Many of these instruments are owned by music stores or the Hill Country Youth Orchestras.
In either case, everyone will benefit from the love and care of these instruments. With proper care
they can last for 300 years or more (this is no joke). These instruments insure the future of
our program and the future of orchestras in the area. We simply must treat these items with respect
and extreme care. Avoid cracks, scrapes, and other "dings" if possible. Moms and dads: please
keep youngsters of all ages from swinging bows and instruments around when they are in use.
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