Violin Maintenance

What you can do
Protection
Always keep the instrument and bow in its case when it is not being
used. Make sure the bow is securely fastened in the proper place and
position, and that it has been loosened properly.

Temperature
String instruments are very sensitive to temperature changes and
extremes of heat and cold. The instrument should never be exposed to
sudden changes in temperature. It must not be exposed directly to the
sun - either in or out of the case. It should be stored away from heat
registers or air conditioning outlets. Never leave a string instrument
in a car.

Humidity

String instruments are sensitive to variations and extremes in
humidity. A humidifier will diminish the chances of low humidity
cracking your instrument and it will also less likely to go out of
adjustment in dry winter conditions with humidifier use. The humidifier
should be checked daily for moisture during the winter months.

Instruments that are maintained with wet humidifiers in the cold months
will be much more stable and need fewer repairs in the long run. If you don't have a humidifier, we have a plentiful supply to protect you.
Cleaning
Rosin should be removed immediately after the instrument is played. Use
a soft, lint-free cotton cloth to clean the body of the instrument. Do
not use any polishes, furniture cleaners or solvents that contain
ingredients such as alcohol, turpentine or xylene to clean the
instrument. A. Cavallo Violins, LLC offers a very safe, water-based
polish that can be applied safely to any violin varnish.

Bridge
The feet of the bridge should usually be aligned with the inner notches
cut in the F holes. The side of the bridge closest to the tailpiece
should be kept perpendicular to the body of the instrument, and the top
edge should be parallel to the end of the fingerboard. Each time the
instrument is tuned, the top edge of the bridge tends to be pulled
forward towards the fingerboard a little. It is important to check the
position of the bridge frequently. If the bridge is neglected, it can
warp or even break. If the tilt or thestraighness of the upper edge of
the bridge requires adjusting, carefully adjust the bridge by pushing
or pulling on the top edge between the A and E and D and G strings with
the thumb and first finger of each hand while holding the instrument
firmly. Gently move the top of the bridge to the proper position. If
you have problems, call us and we will be glad to help you.

Strings
Old strings are lifeless and dull sounding. They should be replaced
with new strings. The finest instrument will not sound good with poor
strings. The strings should be replaced one at a time. Check the
bridge's adjustment, guarding against the to edge being pulled toward
the fingerboard excessively while bring the new strings up to pitch
gradually.

Fine Tuners
If your tuner has a lever under the tailpiece, be careful that the
lever does not touch the top of the instrument. This can seriously
damage the wood. To reduce the depression of the lever, simply turn the
screw to the left (counterclockwise) then raise the pitch with the peg.
Fine tuners may be lubricated with a nut oil such as walnut, almond or
olive. Put a little on a rag or paper towel and lightly apply it to the
threads of the screw.

Chinrest
If the chinrest is loose or touching the tailpiece, it may produce a
buzzing sound. It can be made firm by inserting a chinrest key in the
small hole in each chinrest barrel. Turn the barrels to tighten the
chinrest just enough to secure the rest firmly. Do not over-tighten the
chinrest!

Pegs
Pegs should work smoothly and hold the string tension. If they are not
working properly, the first thing that should be checked is how the
strings wind around the peg. The pegs should be wound so that the last
part of the string is closest to the head of the peg side of the peg
box, so the string tends to pull the peg's conical shape into the peg
hole. If the pegs do not turn smoothly, application of Hill peg
gepound is usually effective. Over time, all pegs and the peg box
begee worn. When this happens, it is time to bring the instrument to a
professional repairperson for refitting.

Insurance
Insurance is important! Students can insure their instruments through
their parents' homeowners insurance, but be certain the insurance
covers you for normal risks string instruments encounter. Very good
policies are also available as group policies through professional
organizations such as the American Federation of Musicians, American
String Teachers, and the Suzuki Association of the Americas.
Repairs that should be done by a professional repairmanBow Rehairing
The hair's ability to grip the strings and produce a beautiful sound is
reduced following repeated use and time. Your bow should be rehaired at
least twice a year if you use your instrument every day. Inexpert bow
rehairs can damage the bow, so always take care to have your bow
rehaired by an expert.

Care of the Fingerboard
Over time the fingerboard will develop grooves where the strings are
depressed. Grooves prevent free vibration of the strings. The board
needs to have an adequate concave dip to it. Your repair professional
will also check the grooves in the nut, or far end, of the fingerboard.
A properly shaped fingerboard can make playing in tune much easier and
prevent buzzes.

Summer and Winter Bridges
In warm seasons the tops of many string instruments tend to swell
upward due to the increase in humidity. This can raise the bridge and
lifts the strings too high above the fingerboard for gefortable
playing. A lower bridge may be needed. In cold weather the opposite is
true - the top of the instrument will be at its lowest level. A higher
bridge may be required. Otherwise the strings will be too close to the
fingerboard to permit free vibration. See your professional
repairperson for help with these problems. Many cellists and a few
violinists and violists have winter and summer bridges and sound posts.

Sound Posts
If the post was fitted during cold weather, it may be too short for
summer use when the top of the instrument raises. Conversely, if it was
fitted in very warm weather, it may be too long for winter use when the
top is lower. Unless the sound post fits properly, the tone will be not
be optimal, and an improperly fittted post can damage an instrument. If
it happens to fall or move, loosen the string tension and ask your
repair professional to reposition it.

Cracks and Openings
If your string instrument develops cracks or openings, do not glue it
at home! Improper gluing can damage the instrument and not be
reversible. Most gluing can be done overnight. The sooner you bring
your instrument in to us, the easier it is for us to repair it.