Dear music lovers and instrument enthusiasts,
today, we invite you on a special journey – a journey into the world of instrument care that goes beyond a simple dusting.
When a Stradivarius violin still fills concert halls with its sound after 400 years, it becomes clear just how important proper care is for an instrument. These remarkable violins have survived wars and upheavals, passed through many hands, and delighted generations of musicians. The secret? Exceptional craftsmanship combined with consistent, attentive care.
However, this timeless art of instrument care is not reserved for legendary Stradivaris. Every string instrument, no matter its age or level, carries the potential for a long life story within it.
Wood: A Living Material
Behind the polished surface of a string instrument lies an amazing dynamic. Even long after the violin maker's final touch, the instrument remains alive. The wood responds to its environment like a sensitive organism - it breathes, changes, and continuously develops its character.
How Wood Reacts:
- On warm summer days, the wood gently expands, while it contracts on cold winter days
- Humidity causes wood fibers to swell and influences the fine tuning
- Direct sunlight touching the varnish leaves its traces over time
- Temperature fluctuations affect the areas where parts are glued together
- Even when resting on a shelf, the instrument is exposed to dust and changing room climate
Creating the ideal environment:
- The ideal room temperature is between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius
- Keep humidity constant between 40-60%
- A high-quality instrument case provides essential protection
- Choose a storage location away from radiators, direct sunlight, and drafts
- A hygrometer in the case serves as a reliable monitor
- Give your instrument time to adjust to temperature changes
- Never leave your instrument in the car for extended periods - neither in winter nor in summer. Extreme temperatures (frost or heat) can cause irreparable damage
The Anatomy of Perfection
The true beauty of a string instrument lies in the perfect harmony of its individual parts. Like in a precise clockwork, each element contributes to the greater whole.
Bridge and Sound Post: The Core Components
At the center of this harmony stands the inseparable duo of bridge and sound post. Their relationship to each other is a matter of millimeters and determines the characteristic sound of your instrument.
Key considerations:
- The bridge must stand exactly perpendicular and optimally transfer vibrations
- A tilting bridge can indicate a shifted sound post
- When sound changes occur, these two elements are the first to check
- The bridge feet must lie flat on the surface
- Leave adjustments to the sound post to the violin maker
The Strings: The Voice of the Instrument
Essential care:
- Choose strings suitable for your instrument's type and size
- Tune carefully to protect bridge and sound post
- Watch for wear marks at contact points with bridge and nut. Here, the first sign of necessary string replacement often shows through damaged winding
- Regularly check the winding of the strings
Technical Considerations
Regular checks:
- The pegs should turn smoothly and evenly
- Tailpiece and chin rest (for violin and viola) need secure attachment
- Fingerboard and nut require occasional care by the violin maker
The Bow: An Essential Partner
The bow is not an accessory - it is an independent instrument of highest importance.
Important care tips:
- Loosen the bow hair after each playing session
- Secure the bow firmly in the case
- Regularly check frog, screw, and tip
- Use only high-quality rosin
- Regularly clean the bow stick as well as bow hair from rosin dust
- Replace the hair regularly (depending on practice intensity about once in every 12 - 24 months, professional musicians change bow hair even more frequently)
Professional Care
Regular visits to the violin maker are essential for your instrument's ,,health’’.
When to seek expert advice:
- For routine check of overall condition
- When changes in sound occur or strange noises appear
- For adjustment of sound post and bridge
- For smallest cracks or varnish damage
- For professional cleaning
Safety at Home:
The greatest dangers often lurk in everyday life:
- Store the instrument safely away from children (except during practicing) and pets
- Resist the temptation to use it as decoration
- The instrument case is the safest storage place
- Use only suitable care products
Conclusion
String instruments require dedicated care and attention to maintain their quality. When properly maintained, they can continue to produce beautiful music for generations to come.
Every change in sound or structure is a message from your instrument. Learn to understand its language - your instrument will thank you with wonderful sound.
🎻 Stay tuned! In the upcoming posts, we'll delve even deeper into this fascinating topic. 👉 Look forward to detailed insights into the art of violin making, presented by the Geigenbau Michael workshop in Munich. Here, expert knowledge and years of practical experience await you.
Add comment
Comments