Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Violin Care - How to Look After Your Violin and Keep It in Top Shape

By Greg Weir


A violin isn't a cheap purchase, thus it makes sense that you must find out the best way to correctly care for your violin.

Without regard for the price, you will need to make sure you provide the beast care for your violin so you can make sure that it will bring you years of delight. A violin is essentially a fragile instrument that is made of various woods which are in a constant state of change due to humidity and temperature. There's actually a lot pressure exerted by the violin strings themselves. Fundamentally the instrument provides sound by way of vibration, with vibration and movement the character of the instrument will change over a period of time. With this movement, it is inevitable the instrument will need repair and attention over time. It's important that you know how to keep your instrument in goos shape.

The initial step to care for your violin is to take a position in top quality violin case. Typically damage caused to a violin is as a result of accidents when the violin hasn't been stored in a case.

Purchasing a top quality set of strings for your violin is actually worth the effort as well because cheap strings can place unjustified tension on the violin that can lead to warping, cracks or other breakages to your instrument. Violin strings have to be changed one or more times a year. It is a smart idea to carry a spare set of stings with you.

Never leave your violin where it can incidentally be knocked over, sat on or stepped on. Be careful where you leave your violin and if you have to lay it flat on a table, use caution not to scrape it.

Keep away from acute changes in temperature and/or Humidity. Violins are particularly attuned to changes in temperature and humidity. Use common-sense and do not keep your violin close to a direct heat source or in full-on sunlight. Likewise, don't keep it in an area that could be subject to enormous changes in temperatures, including the basement or attic room. A violin can break or fall to pieces in such conditions. Having humidifier in the room in cold, dry climates when the space is heated is usually terribly advantageous.

If you're transporting your violin and can't avoid extraordinary changes in temperature, it is a good idea to move it in a case and to wait an a half hour at least when the case is cold before you open it. Whatever might be accomplished to lower the danger of playing it in extremes of hot ought to be considered. Do not leave your violin in the trunk of any auto in warm or cold weather. The temperature inside the trunk of a vehicle during the summer can actually bubble the varnish on the instrument or even melt of the glue and can actually cause the instrument to fall apart. It is sensible to heat up or cool down your car prior to putting your violin case inside the automobile.

You should be aware about the humidity in the area where you store your violin. If you live in a dry climate, you may want to take account of purchasing a violin humidifier, like a Dampit. You can pick up a dampit at most music stores, or search online for "violin dampit". They are cheap when compared with the price of the harm that'll be forestalled.

When you happen to spot damages to your violin, take it to a violin maker/mend person or luthier. A talented luthier can aid in the handling of your violin by fixing minor damage before it becomes major and in the longer term, save you money. Should you need help finding a luthier in your region, ask your violin teacher or check online for a luthier near you.

When you clean your instrument, utilize a correct high quality cleaner and polish for fine instruments, such as W.E. Hill and Boys Varnish Cleaner. (Again, scour the Internet or check at your local tune shop). Some polishes or cleaners can actually damage the polish on your instrument. Use the polish sparingly, but if you play constantly, clean and polish the instrument at the least monthly. Don't let rosin build up on the body underneath the strings. Rosin buildup on the violin isn't an indication of a seasoned player. When you've stopped playing, it's a smart move to completely wipe the instrument with a lint-free cloth to get rid of rosin, as well as sweat and oils from your skin. Your sweat is even more acidic than the rosin, and it can do similar damage for the polish on the instrument. Do not polish the bridge. If a thorough cleaning and polishing is required, it would be advisable to take it to a pro. Luthier.

If you utilize a shoulder pad, ensure you take if off before putting your violin in the case and trying to force the lid shut. It is basic common sense and something easily preventable, but crushing a violin with a shoulder rest attached in the case has occurred more often than once.

If your instrument is going to be stored for a considerable time, loosen the strings just slightly, ensuring to leave the bridge in location. Place non-acidic paper under the tailpiece just in case the bridge falls down. This will prevent any damage to the finish. Make sure there's acceptable humidity inside the violin case. Put a few mothballs in a perforated Ziploc bag within the case away from the sides in the instrument to help to stop insects from damaging the lining in the case or the bow hair.








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