Instrument Care
Humidity/ temperature change steps you should take to protect your instrument
String basics and how often to replace them
Bow basics and hair replacement
The instrument bridge and proper care and alignment
The fingerboard-dirt, arch protectors, and maintenance of it
Problem solving a pesky peg
Fine tuner adjustment
Other instrument adjustments
Structural damage from changes in humidity and temperature
Repairing open seams because of instrument expansion and contraction
Advise on cleaning your instrument
The fingerboard-dirt, arch protectors, and maintenance of it
Your fingerboard will need attention from time to time. It will gradually build up a deposit of dirt that should be cleaned
very carefully with a cloth moistened slightly with alcohol. Be very careful not to let any alcohol come in contact with the
varnish of the instrument. In the summer, higher humidity can make the fingerboard swell and bend slightly towards the
body of the instrument. You may need to place the arch protector between the fingerboard and body when you are not
playing to help maintain the proper position of the fingerboard. Ask your luthier whether you need an arch protector and
how to use one.
Finally, over time, the fingerboard will wear where you place your fingers and will start to develop shallow recesses.
These indentations will make it difficult for you to play in tune, because the string may be stopped at the edge of the
indentation and not where you place your finger. Inspect your fingerboard from time to time, and when you notice that it
is not perfectly smooth, take your instrument to a luthier and ask him to plane the fingerboard. This repair should last
several years before you have to have it repeated.
Humidity/ temperature change steps you should take to protect your instrument
String basics and how often to replace them
Bow basics and hair replacement
The instrument bridge and proper care and alignment
The fingerboard-dirt, arch protectors, and maintenance of it
Problem solving a pesky peg
Fine tuner adjustment
Other instrument adjustments
Structural damage from changes in humidity and temperature
Repairing open seams because of instrument expansion and contraction
Advise on cleaning your instrument
The fingerboard-dirt, arch protectors, and maintenance of it
Your fingerboard will need attention from time to time. It will gradually build up a deposit of dirt that should be cleaned
very carefully with a cloth moistened slightly with alcohol. Be very careful not to let any alcohol come in contact with the
varnish of the instrument. In the summer, higher humidity can make the fingerboard swell and bend slightly towards the
body of the instrument. You may need to place the arch protector between the fingerboard and body when you are not
playing to help maintain the proper position of the fingerboard. Ask your luthier whether you need an arch protector and
how to use one.
Finally, over time, the fingerboard will wear where you place your fingers and will start to develop shallow recesses.
These indentations will make it difficult for you to play in tune, because the string may be stopped at the edge of the
indentation and not where you place your finger. Inspect your fingerboard from time to time, and when you notice that it
is not perfectly smooth, take your instrument to a luthier and ask him to plane the fingerboard. This repair should last
several years before you have to have it repeated.
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| Latoya Lamons Director Orchestra Room Voice Mail (703) 799-6225 LCLamonsSloc@fcps.edu |
Orchestras Alexandria, VA
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| © 2009-2012 The Carl Sandburg Orchestra Boosters |
