La curaCare guide
Caring for a handmade instrument
A handmade instrument is made of living wood. Looked after with a few simple habits, it keeps its voice — and keeps growing into it — for generations.
Le regoleSix habits
Six habits for a long life
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01
40–60 %
Humidity
Keep the relative humidity between about 40 and 60 %. Very dry air can open seams or crack the wood; very damp air dulls the sound. A small hygrometer in the case tells you where you are — and a case humidifier helps when the heating is on.
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02
No extremes
Temperature
Never leave the instrument in a car, beside a radiator or in direct sun. Coming in from the cold, let it warm up slowly inside its closed case before you open it.
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03
A soft, dry cloth
Cleaning
After playing, wipe the rosin dust from the strings, the top and the fingerboard. Never use household polish, alcohol or solvents on the varnish.
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04
Upright, one at a time
Bridge & strings
Tuning slowly pulls the bridge forward: check that its back stays upright. Change the strings when they lose their brilliance — one at a time, so the bridge and soundpost stay in place.
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05
Its home
The case
When you are not playing, the instrument belongs in its closed case. Travelling, keep it with you whenever you can, and away from heat and knocks.
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06
Once a year
The luthier
A yearly check of the soundpost, seams, bridge, fingerboard and pegs keeps small things small. A new instrument is worth a visit after its first months, while the wood settles.
Il calendarioA care calendar
When to do what
IAfter every playing
- Wipe away rosin with a dry cloth
- Loosen the bow, not the strings
- Close the case
IIEvery month
- Check the bridge stands upright
- Look at the hygrometer
- Listen for buzzes or rattles
IIIWhen the seasons change
- Adjust the humidifier
- Watch the pegs as the wood moves
- Change worn strings
IVEvery year
- A full check by a luthier
- Soundpost, seams and fingerboard
- Bow rehair if needed
General guidance for violins, violas, cellos and double basses. For anything that worries you — a buzz, a crack, a leaning bridge — ask a luthier.
01 Why does humidity matter so much for a violin?
Wood takes in and gives off moisture. In very dry air it shrinks, and seams can open or the wood can crack; in very damp air it swells and the sound can become dull. Keeping the relative humidity between about 40 and 60 % keeps the instrument stable and its voice clear.
02 Can I polish the varnish of my instrument?
Clean it only with a soft, dry cloth. Household polishes, alcohol and solvents can damage the varnish. If the varnish needs attention, a luthier can clean and retouch it safely.
03 How often should the strings be changed?
It depends on how much you play. Strings gradually lose their brilliance and stop holding their tuning; when that happens, change them — one at a time, so that the bridge and the soundpost stay in place.
04 What should I do if the bridge leans?
Tuning slowly pulls the top of the bridge towards the fingerboard. Check that its back stays upright; if it leans, have it straightened by a luthier, or very carefully with the strings slightly loosened. A bridge left leaning can warp or fall.
05 What if a seam opens?
The seams of a violin-family instrument are deliberately glued with hide glue, which gives way before the wood does. If you hear a buzz or see a gap, take the instrument to a luthier to have it reglued — never use other glues.
06 How often should a handmade instrument be checked?
Once a year, have a luthier look at the soundpost, the seams, the bridge, the fingerboard and the pegs. A new instrument also benefits from a check after its first months, while the wood settles.
Finale
Let us make an instrument that sounds like you.
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