10 String Instrument Maintenance Tips for Beginning Students

Proper maintenance is essential for keeping your string instrument in good playing condition. Whether you’re playing violin, viola, cello, or double bass, you can follow these tips to keep it working properly, extend its life, and avoid costly trips to the repair shop.

1. Handle Your Instrument with Care and Respect

Always treat your instrument with the best attention and care. If you are uncomfortable, then the instrument is uncomfortable. Mishandling it can result in broken strings, cracks in the body, or other repair issues.

And be mindful of your surroundings. Keep your instrument away from high-traffic areas to prevent accidents.

2. Use Rosin Sparingly

Your bow needs rosin to generate friction between the strings and the bow. Without it, the strings won’t vibrate and you won’t make a sound.

However, putting too much rosin on your bow will make it stickier, creating a harsh and scratchy sound. It’ll also leave excessive dust and residue on the instrument.

There’s a saying in the string world: You should rosin your bow the way you should salt your food — play the instrument first, then apply rosin as needed.

2. Keep Your Instrument at a Consistent Humidity

String instruments are sensitive to changes in humidity. Extreme dryness or humidity can cause the wood to expand or contract, which could affect the instrument's playability or cause it to crack.

Consider using a case humidifier to maintain an optimal humidity level inside your instrument case, especially during dry seasons.

3. Tune Your Instrument Properly

Most student instruments come with both standard pegs and fine tuners on the tailpiece. Using each of them properly will prevent you from breaking strings.

Start by making major adjustments with the pegs. Turn your pegs smoothly to avoid breaking your strings. Then, use the fine tuners for minor adjustments.

Ask your teacher for help tuning if you need it.

4. Wipe Down Your Instrument After Playing

Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to wipe down strings, body, neck, scroll, chinrest, and tailpiece after each practice session. Remove rosin dust and fingerprints to prevent buildup.

Your strings should also be wiped down after playing. Gently wipe each string individually to remove rosin.

Don’t use water to clean your instrument. It can seriously damage the wood and varnish.

5. Tighten and Loosen the Bow Correctly

When playing, tighten the bow hair so there’s a bout a pencil-width gap between the air and the stick.

After playing, loosen the bow to prevent it from warping. Loosening it will also prevent the bow hair from stretching out.

6. Avoid Touching the Bow Hair

The natural oils from your skin can damage the hair. Once the bow hair has absorbed these oils, it won’t hold any rosin. As a result, the affected parts of your bow won’t produce a sound.

7. Store Your Instrument Properly

Always keep your instrument in its case when you're not playing. The case protects it from dust, humidity, and potential damage.

Be sure to close the case properly to keep it secure inside the case. Also, avoid exposing your instrument to extreme temperatures or leaving it in direct sunlight. Do not leave it in your car.

8. Replace Your Strings Regularly

Strings will wear out over time from regular use. To get the best sound out of your instrument, you should change them regularly:

• Violin & Viola: Every 6–8 months
• Cello: Every 1 year
• Bass: Every 3–5 years

9. Wash Your Hands Before Playing

Your skin produces natural oils which can leave smudges on your instrument and ruin the finish. Your hands can also leave dirt and other debris that can cause cosmetic damage to your instrument.

Simply wash your hands each time before playing to help keep your string instrument clean.

10. Visit a Qualified Luthier or Repair Technician At Least Once a Year

Your instrument is like a car. A car needs regular oil changes and maintenance from a qualified mechanic to keep it working properly.

The same thing applies to musical instruments. Your instrument experiences natural wear and tear from regular use, and should be inspected at least once a year.

Regular visits to your local repair shop can prevent many issues before they happen. As a result, you’ll save yourself from costly repair issues and the headaches that come with them.