THE CARE OF YOUR STRINGED INSTRUMENT VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, BASS

PROTECTION: Always keep the instrument and bow in the case, or cover when it is not in use.

TEMPERATURE: Never expose the instrument to sudden changes in temperature from hot to cold, and vice versa. Keep it away from the sun, heaters, air conditioning vents and avoid leaving it in a cold, or hot car.

CLEANING: Rosin dust should always be removed after each use with a soft lint-free cloth. Use instrument polish to clean and shine wood. Do not use household furniture polish.

STRINGS: Strings break from time to time, and old strings are lifeless—false, and sound dull. The finest instrument cannot sound good with poor strings. I recommend “Dominant”, or “D’Adarrio” strings. A full set, or an individual string can be purchased through Shar music.com over the internet, or at a local music store. Please avoid Super Sensitive Strings. Check your strings frequently for unraveling, and try to have an extra set of strings on hand. If your student’s string breaks, they should still attend orchestra class. Simply get the string, as soon as you can, and have your student bring it to orchestra so I can put it on the instrument.

THE NECK: Never Never hang an instrument by the neck from a music stand. It could come unglued, or be knocked off onto the floor.

REPAIR PROBLEMS: If the instrument develops a crack, or hole in the wood, or if the neck comes off, or the edges become unglued, please DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FIX THE INSTRUMENT AT HOME. Instruments are repaired with attention to the sound it must produce. The glues and tools to do this are not household items. Please take all repairs to a qualified repair shop.

THE BOW: Always loosen the hair after playing. This will preserve the sweep and straightness of the stick. Keep it free of rosin. Clean the stick with a soft cloth after use. Avoid tapping the tip of the bow on anything. This is the most delicate part of the bow, and it will break.

THE HAIR: Never touch the bow hair. Do not use polish on the stick.