The holiday season is a time for magical music—whether you’re performing in a recital, playing Christmas carols for loved ones, or simply enjoying your favorite tunes by the fire. To make the most of your instrument this season, it’s important to keep it in top condition.
Follow these essential maintenance tips to ensure your instrument sounds at its best!
1. Shield Your Instrument from Winter’s Chill
Cold weather and dry indoor heating can harm your instrument. Fluctuating temperatures
and low humidity levels can cause the wood to crack or warp.
- Use a humidifier in your instrument case to maintain a stable moisture level of 40-60%.
- Avoid leaving your instrument in freezing cars, unheated rooms, or near radiators and fireplaces.
- Consider a modern case to keep it stable if you are currently using an old one.
2. Care for Your Strings
Your strings are the heart of your sound. Winter conditions can make them brittle, reducing
both their tone and durability.
- Check your strings regularly for wear, corrosion, or fraying especially at the nut and bridge. Consult a professional repairman if the string is pulling apart in these areas.
- Replace any that seem worn or corroded before holiday performances.
- After playing, use a soft cloth to wipe your strings and remove rosin and oils from your fingers to keep them clean and long-lasting.
3. Mind Your Rosin and Bow
Rosin is essential for producing sound, but too much or too little can ruin your tone.
- Apply a moderate amount of rosin to your bow. Over-rosining creates a scratchy sound, while under-rosining weakens your tone.
- When not playing, loosen your bow hair slightly to prevent unnecessary tension and extend its lifespan.
- Check your bow for missing hair. Only having hair on one side of the bow can warp your stick and reduce your instruments performance significantly. Book in for a rehair.
4. Keep Your Violin Looking Its Best
Your violin deserves to shine for the holidays, but over-polishing can cause more harm than good.
- Gently wipe the body of your violin with a microfiber cloth after each session to remove rosin dust and fingerprints.
- Avoid using household or general polishes—stick to violin-safe products, or consult a professional.
- If you wear perfume & Eau de toilette consider not putting it on your neck, wrists or anywhere that will come into contact with the violin. This could remove varnish or make it soft.
5. Store Your Violin Safely
When you’re not playing, store your violin properly to keep it safe during the busy holiday season.
- Always secure your violin in its case, away from heat sources or areas prone to accidents. Ensure the case is latched securely, especially during holiday travels.
6. Schedule a Professional Check-Up
If your instrument hasn’t seen a luthier recently, now is the perfect time. A professional inspection can identify minor issues before they become major problems.
Your luthier can adjust the bridge, smooth pegs, rehair your bow or repair any damage, ensuring your instrument and bow is in optimal playing condition for holiday music.
Play Beautifully All Season Long
With a little care and attention, your instrument can bring joy everytime you play.
Happy holidays, and may your season be filled with beautiful music!
