Check your 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 and get your violin, viola, cello, or bass checked over for these possible adjustments.  At Stamell Strings, this will be a free service.
Get yourself a humidifier:
​A humidifier is a good option to keep the humidity level between 40-60% during the dry months.  While we highly recommend a room humidifier ($100-$200), economical options are Boveda, Stretto, Oasis or Dampit, which go inside the instrument/case.   You can view our offerings below:

D'addario Planet Waves

$8.99
This humidifier protects instrument from damage using an open cell phenolic foam to regulate humidity. Holds water without becoming drippy and is easily refilled with an included syringe. Ideal for acoustic or classical guitars, violins, violas, clarinets, and other small to mid-sized woodwind instruments.
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Dampit

$13.75 - $16.75
The Dampit is made of the finest materials, long-lasting and easy to use. With proper care your Dampit will give you years of good service without needing frequent replacement. Because of the unmatched reliability of the Dampit, musicians all over the world have trusted it to protect their precious instruments.
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Oasis Case Humidifer

$19.95

This style of Oasis® humidifier attaches to the inside of your instrument case.

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*New* Boveda Wood Instrument Humidifier

$16.99 - $29.99

Boveda patented 2-way humidity control makes it easy for you to protect your wood instruments with precision. Wood instruments should be kept between 45% and 55% relative humidity. Boveda eliminates major fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity inside the instrument case. Boveda 49% RH stabilizes the environment to prevent damage that happens to wood from exposure to fluctuations.
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Stretto Humidifier and Spare Bags

$12.95 - $38.95
The Stretto family of humidifiers is designed instrument to instrument to afford a perfect environment for yours. Stretto products offer ideal protection for any string instrument.

The Stretto Humidifer comes with 1 bag.

​Spare bags are available (4 bags in each set).
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Stretto Hygrometer

$29.00

Stretto 1060 Digital Hygrometer for Violin, Viola, Cello and Double bass Cases.
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Frustrated with your pegs?
Friction Pegs vs. Geared Pegs
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Traditional lutherie is our passion.  However, we do believe that there have been many innovations in material science over the years (i.e. carbon fiber bows).   While traditional friction pegs have worked since Stradivari times, they only work well when they are properly fitted and regularly maintained throughout the year. 
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We waited to voice our opinion on Wittner Geared Pegs (innovative tuning pegs that look like a regular friction peg to the eye but have planetary gears inside) until we thought they were perfected. We now feel that they are a great option for those who are looking for:
  • More precise and easier tuning
  • The elimination of fine tuners
  • Immunity to temperature and humidity changes
"The modified physical action makes geared pegs suited to players with limited strength or mobility, including older people and young students" - Strings Magazine

​Interesting Fact: When Stamell Strings installs these pegs, we do not ream out the peg holes so you can always go back to your original pegs!
Contact us for an appointment
Email us - info@stamellstring.com
Call us - (800) 766 0936
Clean your 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 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 us first).

Nikco Instrument Polish: Comes with a free polishing cloth!

$10.99 - $36.99
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.
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Stamell Polishing Cloth

$3.00
Keep your instrument clean with a polishing cloth from Stamell Stringed Instruments!  Yellow cloth with our black logo.
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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 playability and sound of your instrument.

Rehairs and bow repairs are done at Stamell Strings on Thursdays at our Amherst shop.  Rehairing takes a few hours so we advise our customers to make an appointment to drop off the bow and then pick it up at the end of the day on Thursday or the next day.   You can make an appointment below or call us directly - 800 766 0936.