Perfect Fifths

When purchasing a violin, pay close attention to any instructions the seller gives you regarding care and upkeep. A violin (as with any expensive musical instrument) is a big investment, and should be treated as such. We’ve compiled a list of basic care and maintenance tips to help you get the most out of your instrument for a long time to come. Many of these tips also apply to violas and cellos.

• Avoid extreme and varying temperatures. Violins are likely to crack in the event of large changes in temperature. This means that a violin stored in a basement or attic is in danger whenever it returns to room temperature.
• When storing, make sure the violin is secure. Don’t prop the instrument against anything except for a legitimate violin stand. If you do use a stand, make sure it’s out of the way of anyone who might knock it over.
• Handle the violin by the neck and chinrest only. Some people believe that handling the violin by the belly will cause cracks. It’s better to avoid such possibilities, especially since fingers also carry oils which can leave marks in the varnish of the instrument.
• Avoid staining your instrument with rosin. Use only as much rosin on the bow as you need to produce the best sound.
• Change your strings annually. Most strings are not intended to last more than a year. You can change them earlier if you choose, but it’s probably not necessary if you’re using quality strings like Helicore, Larsen, or Jargar.