String Instrument Care: Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Instrument in Prime Condition!

Through practice hours and time, your instrument needs special attention to stay in great shape and make beautiful music. Whether you have just gotten your first instrument or want to take better care of the one you have, in this article you’ll find tips and advice to maintain a string instrument. It’s not a difficult process, but it does require attention to detail.

Let's explore the essential steps to keep your instruments in excellent condition and sounding its best!

Cleaning of the Instrument

Taking good care of your instrument starts with proper cleaning after each use. Regular cleaning prevents oils from your fingers from damaging the varnish and keeps rosin dust from building up. If you skip cleaning too often, the surface can become sticky and dusty, making it very difficult to clean—even for professional luthiers.

You can use special cleaning cloths from most music stores or even specific tissues designed for cleaning cars, which work perfectly too. Do not use strong cleaning products on your instrument, as they can damage the delicate varnish. Instead, use a dry microfiber cloth to gently clean the surface. Always make sure to wipe away any rosin dust—the powdery residue that can dull the appearance of your instrument.

If the fingerboard and the strings become sticky (it happens), you can use a microfiber tissue with a little bit of alcohol, but be careful that it doesn’t touch the varnish !! 

Tuning and Regular Adjustments

The strings have to be changed from time to time to maintain the sound quality that you require. For those who practice frequently, replacing 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 the time, otherwise there’s a risk that the bridge could fall, as could the sound post inside. 

It’s also good to check if the bridge stays straight. If in doubt, you can have it checked by a luthier. If the bridge starts to bend because of the constant and repeated pressure of the bow on the strings, don't wait, as the bridge may break or fall off.

Additionally, when seasons change, it’s a good idea to take your instrument to a luthier for a checkup (at least twice a year).

This helps identify and address potential issues like open seams, where the wood begins to separate. During this inspection, the luthier can also check essential components such as the sound post and bridge, ensuring your instrument remains in top condition. 

The Importance of Humidification

To prevent your instrument from cracking, you have to be super careful with the  humidity level. Aim to maintain a humidity range of 40% to 60% to prevent damage. To make this easier, you can use a case humidifier specifically designed for string instruments, like those from Wilder & Davis. These humidifiers are made to fit inside your instrument case, keeping it protected and well-hydrated at all times. There are also some models that you can put inside the instrument.

Safe Storage and Handling

When you pick up your instrument, always hold it by the neck - that's the sturdy part that's made for holding. Also, make sure you've got a good case! Your case should protect your instrument from any shock.

It is important to leave your instrument in the case when you’re not playing. It helps keep your instrument in a controlled environment. 

Always store instruments properly. Don't forget to check that the case is locked before you pick it up - you don't want your string instrument taking an unexpected trip to the floor!

Bow Maintenance

Likewise, use rosin sparingly on your bow. Excessive rosin can create a dust cloud when playing, which is messy to the instrument

To test your rosin application, gently bounce the bow on an open string. If rosin dust is visible, you’ve likely applied too much. Adjust your application to maintain balance and avoid compromising the finish. When you play, there should be no clouds of dust escaping from your bow.

 Most of the time, a few strokes of rosin on the hair every 2 days should be enough.

The hair has to be changed at least once a year, depending on how much you practice. The grip (the small leather part on which the right thumb rests) may also gradually wear out, and should be replaced to avoid damaging the wood underneath.

Final Words

Caring for your instrument is an essential aspect of musicianship. By adhering to these professional tips, you can extend the life of your instrument and enjoy unparalleled sound quality for years to come. 

Remember to clean your instruments regularly, schedule seasonal check-ups with a luthier, and store them in a well-padded case in a controlled environment.

It’s more than an instrument; it’s a partner in your musical journey. Proper care and attention will reward you with consistent performance and rich, resonant tones every time you play.

Find products to maintain your instruments

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