Stamell Stringed Instruments
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3 Important Violin, Viola, and Cello Maintenance Tips

10/27/2018

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1. Check bridge, pegs, and soundpost
Because of the fluctuating dry heat and cold temperatures, many players spend a lot of time tuning their instrument.  The constant tightening and loosening of tension can shift the bridge and potentially warp it.  The pegs also tend to shrink over time, which can lead to slipping and seams may open up, which will cause a buzz.  Bring your instrument to Stamell Stringed Instruments or your local luthier and get your violin, viola, cello, or bass checked over for these possible adjustments.  At Stamell Strings, this will be a free service.

​A humidifier is a good option to keep the humidity level between 40-60% during the dry months.  We highly recommend a room humidifier ($100-$200), but other economical options are Boveda, Stretto, Oasis or Dampit, which go inside the instrument/case.  

*New* Boveda Wood Instrument Humidifier

$16.99 - $29.99
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Oasis Case Humidifer

$19.95
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Dampit

$13.75 - $16.75
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Stretto Humidifier and Spare Bags

$12.95 - $38.95
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D'addario Planet Waves

$8.99
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2. Clean the violin, viola, or cello
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From time to time you should wipe down the strings and instrument of excess rosin with a microfiber cleaning cloth.  Excessive build-up can bond to the varnish and potentially damage the instrument and affect the sound quality.  For instruments with excessive build-up, a good polishing will do the trick. The luthiers at Stamell Stringed Instruments, or your local luthier, will be able to safely remove rosin, oil, dirt, and dust and bring a shine to your instrument.  We recommend Nikco polish and polishing cloths, for those who would like to polish their instruments themselves (although it is wise to check with your luthier first).

Nikco Instrument Polish: Comes with a free polishing cloth!

$10.99
View Details
Imported from France by Stamell Stringed Instruments.  Apply a small amount to a soft, lint-free cloth.  Rub onto a small area to remove dirt and oils.  Polish with another cloth to achieve desired luster.  Repeat as necessary.

3. Get your bow re-haired
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Depending on how much you play, it is always a good idea to get your bow re-haired at least once a year.  Hair breaks and stretches over time and eventually will stop engaging the string; this could potentially damage your bow.  New hair can also improve the play-ability and sound of your instrument.  ​​

Leatherwood Bespoke Rosin

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JonPaul Bows - USA Made

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Stringvision Bow Grip

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    ​Schedule your FREE instrument check-over

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    About

    Stamell Stringed Instruments is a shop devoted to the violin family of instruments and bows. Here we provide unique services for the players and owners of stringed instruments.

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Amherst, MA Shop

18 Kellogg Ave., Amherst MA 01002
(800) 766 0936 or (413) 256 0936 
​info@stamellstring.com

APPOINTMENT ONLY (curbside and in-store service) HOURS:
Tuesday -  Saturday: 10am - 5pm
Walk-ins welcome but not guaranteed after 4pm.

Closed Sundays and Mondays

Summer Closings:
Sat July 2, August 6 - 13, Sep. 3


Poughkeepsie, NY Shop

NEW LOCATION!
​5 Manchester Rd., Poughkeepsie NY 12603 

(845) 337 3030
ny@stamellstring.com


APPOINTMENT ONLY (curbside and in-store service) HOURS:
Tuesday -  Saturday: 10am - 5pm

Walk-ins welcome but not guaranteed after 4pm.
Closed Sundays and Mondays

​
Summer Closings:
Sat July 2, August 6 - 13, Sep. 3

​​

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Stamell Stringed Instruments does not pay teachers commissions, sometimes called referral fees, finder's fees or "kickbacks".  To read more about this unethical practice, please click here: http://fineviolinsbydavid.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Ethics.pdf

© Stamell Stringed Instruments - 2022 | 18 Kellogg Avenue Amherst, MA 01002 | 5 Manchester Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 | 800 766 0936 | info@stamellstring.com
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Hours and Locations
    • Monthly Sales and Specials
    • House Concerts
    • String Teacher Directory
  • Instruments
    • Advanced Student Instruments >
      • Fractional Instrument Inquiry
    • Violins
    • Violas
    • Cellos
    • Pierre Marcel Instruments
    • Baroque
  • Bows
    • Violin Bows
    • Viola Bows
    • Cello Bows
  • Rentals
    • Rent With Us!
    • Why Rent from Stamell Strings? >
      • Rental FAQs
      • Sizing
    • Enhanced Insurance Plan for Renters
    • Keep your rental over the summer
    • School Rental Services
    • Rental Exchanges and Returns
    • Equity Quote
    • Pay Your Bill >
      • Update your payment information
    • How To Videos
  • SHOP
    • Cases
    • Chair and Stools
    • Chinrest Comforters
    • Endpin Stops
    • Humidifiers
    • Gift Certificates
    • Masks
    • Metronomes and Tuners
    • Mutes
    • Rosin
    • Sheet Music
    • Suzuki Books
    • Shoulder Rests
    • Strings
    • Stands
    • Accessories
  • Services
    • Try Our Instruments
    • Restoration and Repair
    • Appraisals and Evaluations
    • Bow Rehairs
    • Shipping Information
    • Policies
  • Workshop
    • Schedule an appointment
  • Make an appointment
  • Through the f-hole: a blog by Stamell Stringed Instruments
  • Current Bow Offerings
  • Ovington Estate Instruments
  • Cornelissen Estate Instruments