Maintenance of instruments at Strings : Maintenance tips for maintaining your instrument

Over time and hours of practice, your instrument needs special attention to stay in good condition. Whether you have just acquired your first instrument or want to take care of the one you own, you will find in this article the necessary advice on its maintenance. 

Let's explore the essential steps to keep your instruments in excellent condition!

Cleaning the instrument

Maintaining your instrument starts with proper cleaning after each use. Regular cleaning prevents grease from your fingers from damaging the polish and rosin dust from accumulating. If you fail to do this too often, the surface can become sticky and dusty, making it very difficult to clean, even for professional luthiers.

You can use special cloths sold at most music stores. Do not use strong cleaning products on your instrument, as they will damage the delicate polish. Instead, use a dry microfiber cloth to dust the surface. Be sure to always wipe away rosin dust, a powdery residue that can dull the look of your instrument and make it very sticky to the touch, after each use.

If the key and the Strings become sticky (it happens with practice), you can use a microfiber tissue with a little alcohol, but be careful that it does not touch the polish! 

Regular tuning and adjustments

The Strings should be changed from time to time to maintain the sound quality you are looking for. For those who practice frequently, replacing the Strings every 6 months (for violins and violas) or every year (for cellos) is ideal. If you want to do it yourself, make sure to change only one string at a time, otherwise the bridge may fall off, and the core with it.

It is also a good idea to check if the bridge remains straight. If in doubt, you can have it checked by a luthier. If the bridge starts to buckle, don't wait to have it repaired, as the bridge may break or fall off.

In addition, during the change of seasons, it is advisable to take your instrument to a luthier to have it serviced (at least 2 times a year). This helps to identify and address potential problems such as takeoffs (the edges of the instrument begin to separate), or drought cracks. During this inspection, the luthier can also check essential elements such as the core, the fingerboard, the bridge, to ensure that your instrument remains in perfect condition. 

The importance of humidification

To prevent your instrument from cracking, it is essential to pay attention to the humidity level: ideally it should be kept between 30% and 45%. For this, you can use a case humidifier specially designed for instruments with Strings, such as those of Wilder & Davis. These humidifiers are designed to fit into your instrument's case, protecting it and keeping the case with constant hydration. There are also models that you can place inside the instrument. 

Safe storage and handling

When you pick up your instrument, always hold it by the neck: this is the sturdiest part, made to hold it. Make sure you have a good case, which protects the instrument from impacts.

It is important to leave your instrument in its case when you are not playing. This keeps it in a controlled environment. 

Always store your instruments properly. Don't forget to check that the case is tightly closed before picking it up - you don't want your instrument to end up on the floor unexpectedly!

Bow Care

It is advisable to use rosin on your bow sparingly. Excess rosin can create a cloud of dust while playing, which is messy for the instrument.

When you play, there should be no clouds of dust escaping from your bow. If so, you've applied too much.

In general, a few trips of rosin to the wick every 2 days are enough.

Depending on the intensity of your practice, the wick of your bow should be changed at least once a year. It is also possible that the thumb (small part of leather on which the right thumb rests) will gradually wear out, it will also have to be replaced so as not to damage the wood underneath.

Final Words

Maintaining your instrument is an essential aspect of musical practice. If you take care of it, you can greatly extend the life of your instrument and enjoy its maximum potential for many years to come. 

Don't forget to clean your instruments regularly, store them in a suitable case, pay attention to the humidity level, and plan seasonal checks with a luthier.

More than an instrument, it is the partner of your musical journey. By maintaining it properly, you'll get consistent performance and rich, resonant tones every time you play

Find products for the maintenance of your instrument

You can find all the tools you'll need online

Oasis Humidifier for Case	Oasis Hygrometer	Humidifier for violin and viola
Cello Humidifier	Humidifier for double bass	Maintenance Guide for Instruments Strings
W&D Microfiber Linen