Violins are delicate instruments that require proper maintenance and care. An individual player is responsible for the daily care of his or her instrument. If the violin breaks, or has a part that is broken, violin repair should be left in the hands of a professional, as it is a delicate process.
Violin maintenance is a quick and easy process that should never be skipped, because the consequences to the instrument can be great. Wiping accumulated rosin dust from the strings and surface after playing is a rudimentary and essential task. If left to build up over time, it will ruin the varnish and reduce the sound quality of the strings.
Many violinists experience frustration when the tuning pegs slide too easily or stick. This may be fixed by creating and applying a solution of alcohol and rosin or simply some chalk will suffice. If the problem persists, the instrument should be brought to the shop. Care must be taken in winding the strings as well, so they do not break from friction.
A home repair that can be done on the instrument is replacing a string that has snapped. Strings can be bought individually and threaded with care through the pegs. The peg is then wound away from the musician, advancing slowly so as not to repeat the problem of breaking a string. Strings are sensitive and require a little bit of practice to wind correctly. For this reason, it is recommended that beginners use fine tuners that will allow tension to be applied to the string little by little.
In addition to replacing strings, there is one other small repair that a musician my do at home. That is the replacement of the bridge. Bridges often bend or crack from excessive pressure or humidity. They can simply be bought in your local music shop. All other repairs are to be left in the hands of a skilled professional.
Adjustment to the sound post is one of the most important repairs that can be made on the violin. This is because the size and position of the post has a startling effect on the sound quality of the instrument. One should seek out a skilled luthier to perform this task. If the wood is cracked in any way, a skilled professional can also take care of this.
Violins, especially those made with great skill and care, are expected to last for hundreds of years. An old violin does not mean a poorly functioning one, unless it has not been properly cared for. Along with daily maintenance, instruments should be brought to the shop about twice a year for violin repair.
Violin maintenance is a quick and easy process that should never be skipped, because the consequences to the instrument can be great. Wiping accumulated rosin dust from the strings and surface after playing is a rudimentary and essential task. If left to build up over time, it will ruin the varnish and reduce the sound quality of the strings.
Many violinists experience frustration when the tuning pegs slide too easily or stick. This may be fixed by creating and applying a solution of alcohol and rosin or simply some chalk will suffice. If the problem persists, the instrument should be brought to the shop. Care must be taken in winding the strings as well, so they do not break from friction.
A home repair that can be done on the instrument is replacing a string that has snapped. Strings can be bought individually and threaded with care through the pegs. The peg is then wound away from the musician, advancing slowly so as not to repeat the problem of breaking a string. Strings are sensitive and require a little bit of practice to wind correctly. For this reason, it is recommended that beginners use fine tuners that will allow tension to be applied to the string little by little.
In addition to replacing strings, there is one other small repair that a musician my do at home. That is the replacement of the bridge. Bridges often bend or crack from excessive pressure or humidity. They can simply be bought in your local music shop. All other repairs are to be left in the hands of a skilled professional.
Adjustment to the sound post is one of the most important repairs that can be made on the violin. This is because the size and position of the post has a startling effect on the sound quality of the instrument. One should seek out a skilled luthier to perform this task. If the wood is cracked in any way, a skilled professional can also take care of this.
Violins, especially those made with great skill and care, are expected to last for hundreds of years. An old violin does not mean a poorly functioning one, unless it has not been properly cared for. Along with daily maintenance, instruments should be brought to the shop about twice a year for violin repair.