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3 Important Violin, Viola, and Cello Maintenance Tips

10/27/2018

1 Comment

 
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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Stretto Hygrometer

$29.00
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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
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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 Carrerra Violin Bow

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JonPaul Carerra Cello Bow

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JonPaul Carerra Viola Bow

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JonPaul Avanti Violin Bow

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JonPaul Avanti Viola Bow

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JonPaul Avanti Cello Bow

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JonPaul Corona Violin Bow

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JonPaul Corona Viola Bow

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JonPaul Corona Cello Bow

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JonPaul Muse Violin Bow

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JonPaul Muse Viola Bow

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1 Comment
Modesto Porch Enclosures link
10/1/2022 05:35:20 pm

Thoughtful blog, thanks for posting.

Reply



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    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 HOURS:
Tuesday -  Saturday: 10am - 4pm
Open 4-5pm by appointment only.
Walk-ins welcome but not guaranteed after 4pm.

Closed Sundays and Mondays

Poughkeepsie, NY Shop

5 Manchester Rd., Poughkeepsie NY 12603 
(845) 337 3030
ny@stamellstring.com


APPOINTMENT HOURS:
Tuesday -  Saturday: 10am - 4pm

Open 4-5pm by appointment only.
Walk-ins welcome but not guaranteed after 4pm.
Closed Sundays and Mondays​​

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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 - 2023 | 18 Kellogg Avenue Amherst, MA 01002 | 5 Manchester Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 | 800 766 0936 | info@stamellstring.com
  • About
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Monthly Sales and Specials
    • House Concerts >
      • Randal Bays - Amherst MA
      • Randal Bays - Poughkeepsie NY
    • String Teacher Directory
  • Instruments
    • Violins >
      • Professional Violins
      • Advancing Student Violins
      • Fractional Violins
      • Violin Rentals
    • Violas >
      • Professional Violas
      • Advancing Student Violas
      • Fractional Violas
      • Viola Rentals
    • Cellos >
      • Professional Cellos
      • Advancing Student Cellos
      • Fractional Cellos
      • Cello Rentals
    • Pierre Marcel Instruments
    • Ovington Estate Instruments
    • Cornelissen Estate Instruments
    • Baroque
  • Bows
    • Violin Bows >
      • Professional Violin Bows
      • Advancing Student Bows
      • Carbon Fiber Violin Bows
      • Stamell Student Bows
    • Viola Bows >
      • Professional Viola Bows
      • Advancing Student Bows
      • Carbon Fiber Viola Bows
      • Stamell Student Bows
    • Cello Bows >
      • Professional Cello Bows
      • Advancing Student Bows
      • Carbon Fiber Cello Bows
      • Stamell Student Bows
  • Rentals
    • Rent Now >
      • Violin
      • Viola
      • Cello
      • Bass
    • Our Rental Program
    • Rental Rates
    • Insurance
    • Sizing
    • School Rental Services
    • Pay Your Bill >
      • Update your payment information
    • Rental Exchanges and Returns
    • Equity Quote
    • 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
  • Shop