String instruments care and maintenance

Cleaning: Use a soft cloth to wipe down the strings and  instrument when you have finished playing. It is important to  remove the rosin dust before it solidifies. Once solid it is difficult to remove without damage to the varnish.

Adjusters: when adjusters are wound down more than half-way it is time to loosen them and retune using the pegs. If wound too far, adjusters can cut into the wood.

The Bridge: watch for the angle of your bridge. If you always use the pegs to tune, the bridge may end up leaning forward. If you use adjusters all the time it my lean the other way. Adjusting a bridge is best left to your teacher if you are inexperienced.

The bow: Occasional hairs will always break, but if you notice a lot of hair-loss it might be that the bow is old, or it might also be in need of a new wedge. Ask your teacher whether it needs to go to a repairer.

Storage: ensure the instrument is put away in its case and not left near a rediator or in direct sunlight. Always loosen the hair on your bow when not in use

Strings: If a string should break after the first term, buy a replacement after consultation with your teacher. If a string breaks during the first term, Kent Music will replace it

Never try to repair the instrument yourself contact the Keeper of Instruments at Kent Music.