Instrument Adjustment Check List, Know Thy Instrument!
Introduction: Instruments are sensitive to a wide range of conditions - some of these you can control, such as sound post adjustment, while others you can't control, such as humidity during an outdoor concert.
Instruments that are well maintained will hold value and generally appreciate more in the secondary (resale) market. Good adjustment also offers the player better performance and a greater sense of satisfaction.
Sensitivity Training: Become aware of changes in your instrument's sound and response over time. Most instruments react to weather (especially humidity) and use. Soundposts and bridges can shift location; even a fraction of a millimeter can alter the instrument's behavior. The tailgut (which holds the tailpiece to the end button)can lengthen or shift position. Be sensitive to changes in the instrument's string heights, and neck angle. If you notice a significant change, have the instrument adjusted - before an expensive problem develops.
Professional Care: Have the instrument checked at least once a year by a highly trained, professional luthier.
Wipe Rosin Daily: Keep your instrument clean and the varnish free from rosin. It is best to clean the instrument after each use. Simply wipe the strings and surface with a soft cloth.
Commercial Polishes: most commercially available violin polishes are merely repackaged furniture polish. These polishes dry very slowly and attract dust and rosin. By causing rosin residue to harden they actually make it more difficult to clean the instrument. When the instrument needs a thorough cleaning (annually), take it to a pro.
Alcohol: Do not use denatured alcohol to clean strings. One drop will strip the varnish where it lands.
Strings: Most strings wear out long before breaking. for improved sound, change strings about twice a year. Experiment to find out what strings work best for your instrument and style of play.
Bridge: keep the bridge straight. Replacing warped bridges can be very expensive. When changing strings, rub graphite from a #2 pencil in the string grooves to lubricate the bridge. (Applying the graphite in the grooves of the nut is also a good idea). Be sure the bridge is centered on the instrument.
Open Seams: Check the instrument on a regular basis for open seams, which can cause buzzing and or reduce power. If your notice a sudden loss of tonal output, you are either getting older or the instrument has problems. More often than not, the culprit is an open seam. (Home repairs with Elmer's glue are not recommended).
Sources of Buzzing: While the causes of buzzing are almost beyond count (and often difficult to pin down), here are some of the more common problems:
- Loose chinrest
- Chinrest in contact with tailpiece
- Unglued tailpiece fret
- Tailgut screws buzzing on tailpiece
- Problem with a peg - peg pins and or collar unglued
- String heights too low causing the string to buzz against the fingerboard
- Loose bridge protector vibrating on string (usually the E on violin or A on a viola)
Humidity: Big changes in humidity stress your instrument and , in severe cases, can cause major crack to develop. Purfling allows some expansion and contraction at glue joints, but doesn't suffice to protect against the harshest conditions. Try to keep relative humidity steady at 40-50%. In the Winter, in many climates, this requires the constant use of humidifiers at home (best) and or the use of Dampits or in-case humidifiers. Also avoid exposing the instrument to extreme heat of cold. (Leaving an instrument in a closed car or trunk is risky for reasons beyond theft).
Bows: Don't over rosin - a little goes a long way. Wipe the stick free of excess rosin after use. Rehair when the hair becomes too sparse or slick. have the bow checked for camber and straightness by a pro.
Insurance: As part of annual maintenance, remember to renew and update your policy. Some instruments can increase substantially in value even over a twelve-month interval. Compare homeowner's versus specialty insurance for your own needs. For most instruments and bows worth $10,000 or above, specialty insurance is the better option because it affords protection against loss of value.
Happy Playing,
Eric Chapman
