INSTRUMENT CARE GUIDE

Daily care of your instrument can prevent costly repairs. Here are a few tips!

Always wipe down your instrument with a soft cloth after playing to remove any rosin. Your strings will last twice as long and your fingerboard will stay clean!

String instruments are very sensitive to heat, cold, and humidity. Store your instrument in its case away from extreme temperatures when not in use.

Check the bridge! As string instruments are tuned, the strings tend to pull the top of the bridge towards the fingerboard. If the bridge tilts too much, it may fall over. This can break the bridge, or even crack the top of the instrument. It may also cause the sound post inside to fall. In proper position, the bridge should be parallel with the bottom edge of the fingerboard and the feet of the bridge should rest on the top of the instrument uniformly. If your bridge tilts for any reason, call 4 Strings (864) 409-7911

Improper tuning is the major cause of broken strings. Let your teacher tune your instrument until he or she shows you the right way!

If you do tune your instrument, make sure the pegs turn freely with minimum pressure towards the peg box. Never force a peg into the peg box. If it slips or it is stuck, do not force it.

Never leave the shoulder rest attached to a Violin, or store music, clothes, school folders or other items under or on top of your instrument!