The initial inspection of your instrument will include the following:

Check:

• Bridge placement and fit
• Bridge contour and string heights
• Pegs for fit and motion
• Nut for height and string height
• Fingerboard for contour and separations
• Strings for damage and tone
• Soundpost for proper length and position
• Tailpiece for position and security
• Endpin for fit and function
• Seams for separations

During the repair procedure we will lubricate fine tuners, nut slots, bridge slots, pegs, and endpin screw with appropriate lubricants.

Your instrument should be checked at least twice per year. Once in Fall and once in Spring. These are the times when your instrument is experiencing changing humidity levels and may need certain adjustments for proper play condition.

The proper humidity level for stringed instruments is 45 to 55%. We can help you with items to regulate humidity.

In the winter, when the air is very dry, instruments made of wood such as violin, viola, cello and string bass actually shrink a bit.
Sometimes this movement causes the seams to separate. This is fairly common and can be corrected by your repair tech. Do not attempt this repair with ordinary household glues. Your repair person will have the correct glue for the repair.

Wipe your instrument with a clean, soft cloth after each playing. A good quality violin polish can be used with a soft cloth to help keep grease and rosin dust from marring the finish.

With regular student usage, strings should be changed once each year.