Caring for your Instrument

To ensure your violin, viola, cello and double bass remains in optimal playing condition, please refer to the below guidelines:

• Keep your instrument protected from water and moisture. Water causes timber to swell, which can cause cracks. Keep your instrument away from windows, moisture and excess humidity.
• Keep your instrument protected from excessive amounts of heat. Sun and heat can severely affect your instrument, potentially causing cracks and damage to the varnish. Make sure you store it away from windows, heaters or fireplaces.
• Never leave your instrument in the car.
• Keep your instrument clean. Wiping off rosin with a dry cloth from the top of your instrument and strings after playing will prevent rosin build up. Don’t use water to clean.
• Never clean your instrument with solvents or household products. Varnish is very delicate and can be easily damaged. Specialised cleaning products are available to assist with cleaning your instrument if necessary.
• Keep your fingernails trimmed. This prevents damage to the strings and fingerboard of your instrument.
• Cover the instrument with a cloth in its case. This protects your instrument against scratches from the bow while closed.
• Only players with experience should use the pegs. If you are not confident using the pegs, your teacher should help you to tune your instrument using the pegs. The fine tuners can be used to control small pitch changes.
• New instruments and strings take up to two weeks to settle. During this time, the strings will continue to go out of tune. We recommend that you do not change your strings in the two weeks before an important performance or exam.
• Remove your shoulder rest when your instrument is in its case. Your shoulder rest must always be removed while in its case and not in use.
• For battery operated electric instruments, periodically check the condition of the battery. When not in use for an extended period of time, remove the battery.

String instruments perform at their best when serviced regularly. We recommend getting your instrument serviced every six months. Services are conducted by our team of trained luthiers and entails checking the strings, bridge, pegs, bow, and a general clean of your instrument. To ensure that your instrument stays in optimal playing condition, we offer free servicing on any instrument purchased from us. You will be required to pay for any additional parts such as strings that are needed to complete the service.

Your first service should be two weeks after the instrument has been set up, then every six months following. Strings should be changed once a year depending on how often you play. For violinists, your E and A string will need to be changed every 3-6 months, while your D and G string will need to be changed every 6-12 months. For violists, cellist and bassists, your strings should be assessed for replacement at every service.