Once you get home your first stringed instrument, the temptation to immediately start using it is understandable.
You want to get a feel of it, test it out, possibly even be motivated to learn that first song and flaunt your skills on Instagram! But they require some basic care. From learning how to maintain the metal strings, to keeping the wood of the body moisture free, caretaking for your stringed instrument is quite straightforward once you get a hang of it.
Before you start using them, here are few tips to remember to keep your new violin, guitar, cello, or ukulele safe and healthy:
Keeping things clean is natural. But the way you maintain it differs. Once you’re done playing, wipe down your instrument with a microfiber cloth. This will help keep it dust-free. If you’re playing an instrument with a bough, like violin or cello, you’ll find a powdery residue on your instrument post playing it. This is called rosin and can be safely removed with a microfiber cloth as well.
In case your instrument isn’t new and has seen a few years of neglect, we advise you to have it shown to a professional.
Playing an instrument requires a certain discipline. This entails showing proper respect and care for it. When you’re done playing, or putting it away for a small duration, make sure you place it carefully back in its original case. This ensures its safe-keeping and protection from any external harm. Note of caution, see that the clasp or latch is secured. You’ll prevent disasters from occurring, like dropping and breaking your instrument.
If you’re new to a stringed instrument, the urge to fumble callously with the pegs is ripe. If you didn’t already know, pegs are part of a pegbox in certain instruments like guitar and violin. They are attached to the strings. These are used for tuning purposes and are quite delicate. If the pegs aren’t working, look at the peg holes for gaps or over-rounding. If the pegs are ill-fitted, they’d stop turning. Please do NOT over rotate a peg. It will snap your string.
Wood has the propensity to expand and contract with varying humidity. While instruments can withstand both dry and humid environments, sudden fluctuations in weather conditions can be cause for concern. Extremity of any climate is bad. If you are a percussionist and have invested in an excellent quality instrument, then you should keep it away from direct sunlight, or place it safely with a dehumidifier.
An important thing to note would be to never leave your encased instrument in your car. The dark color casing will entrap heat, thereby causing damage to it.
Taking care of an instrument is certainly doable if you pay attention. Playing a stringed instrument might not come as easily. If you’re looking for some classes to learn your new instrument and develop your skills, the Arts Development School of Music is a wonderful place to start. We offer private violin teachers, guitar, viola, and cello instructors in California.
