A string teacher’s guide to basic instrument care & maintenance

With all of the mechanical variables of string instruments, a teacher may easily get overwhelmed when dealing with the various problems that can occur with school instruments or a student’s personal instrument. With a little knowledge and some practice, basic instrument maintenance and adjustments can be something every teacher can do. A properly maintained instrument not only ensures that a student’s instrument produces the best sound possible but also contributes to the comfort and ease of playing, proper intonation, and more. Here’s a short guide of things teachers can do when looking over an instrument. 

I usually perform an instrument check on each of my students’ instruments and my school inventory several times per year — once at the beginning of the year and again in January right after winter break. I also periodically look at student instruments as I tune them or walk among my students.

Changing Strings

If your budget allows, try to change violin/viola strings once per year. If your budget is tight, try to change the violin E strings more frequently than the rest. I aim to change cello and bass strings every two years or more often if possible. For high school or advanced middle school, I like to upgrade my students to synthetic core strings like D’Addario Zyex, Thomastik Dominant, or D’Addario Helicore. Keep in mind that even brand new inexpensive strings like D’Addario Prelude are better than old, worn out strings. I keep track of my string changes on my school inventory spreadsheet so I know which have been changed and when. When changing strings add some pencil graphite to the bridge and nut grooves. Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/AZl1rMQmuVs

Instrument Cleaning 

Wipe excess rosin with a soft microfiber cloth. I purchase 12” x 12” cloths in bulk (50 or 100 packs) from Amazon for a nominal cost. The great thing about these is that they are easily cleaned and reused. I use laundry detergent and vinegar with hot water and they come out like new. Do not use fabric softener. I pass out cloths to my students and we do cleaning days several times a year. After major concerts or before a break is a great time to schedule an “instrument cleaning day.”

To clean strings, bridges, fingerboards, necks (non-varnished areas), and bass machine heads I use #0000 (super fine) steel wool pads. These can be purchased inexpensively at your local home projects store or on Amazon. The steel wool will clean off rosin, dirt, Dorito/Cheeto dust, grime, and even old finger tape adhesive residue without damaging the instrument. Just be sure your students know that steel wool should not be used on any varnished areas! You can also clean the sticks of fiberglass and carbon fiber bows with steel wool. Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/8QIghyIdZlc

Bridge Placement

Be sure that the bridge is centered on the instrument and that it aligns with the notches of the f-holes. It is important that the back (the side closest to the tailpiece) is perpendicular to the body of the instrument. The front side of the bridge is curved and the back side is flat.

If you need to move the bridge, do so with care. While sitting, cradle the violin/viola with your legs and use two hands to gently move the bridge into place. If it doesn’t move easily, you may need to loosen the strings slightly, especially the higher strings. If the bridge grooves (where the strings cross) have not been properly lubricated, tuning of the strings will move the bridge forward or backward. The grooves at the nut and bridge should be lubricated with pencil graphite. This allows the string to freely move across the top without wearing the grooves or damaging the string. Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/HP3TkTjVFsU

For cello or bass bridges, I almost always have to loosen strings slightly to adjust them. For cellos, put the instrument on its endpin, then reach around the instrument to make the adjustment. See figure 1. For basses, you may need help to have someone help you hold the bass or you can put it on its back.  

Fig. 1  Position for adjusting a cello bridge.

Fine Tuners

Working fine tuners are critical for students to be able to learn the beginning stages of tuning their instruments. Cheap fine tuners can be difficult to turn and even decent fine tuners can become seized or difficult to turn after some time. There are lots of ways to lubricate fine tuner threads. You can use just about any type of lubricant, from a wax candle to a bar of soap or even a very small amount of vegetable or 3-in-1 oil. To use wax or soap, you’ll need to remove the fine tuner screw and rub the threads alongside the wax or soap. If you are using a liquid oil, you don’t have to remove the fine tuner screw all the way. I like to use a toothpick dipped in oil, then I tap it on the threads of the fine tuner. The oil will seep into the fine tuner threads. With just a little lubrication, the fine tuner should turn easily and won’t shred your fingers! 

If a fine tuner screw becomes bent (to the point that it will not turn), you may need to replace the entire fine tuner. I have also had luck straightening slightly bent fine tuner screws with a pair of needle nose pliers. If your fine tuners are built into the tailpiece, you may be able to find new or used adjusting screws to insert. 

Last, if you are upgrading strings from steel to a nylon core, the strings may be too think to fit into the forks of a fine tuner.  You can carefully widen the forks slightly with a small screw driver to make the thicker strings fit.  Video: https://youtu.be/7qwaD-M3_y0

Loose or Sticky Pegs

If a violin, viola, or cello pegs are slipping or sticking, you may need to lubricate them with a peg compound. My favorite compound is a brown compound stick made by Hill & Sons. It is packaged in what looks like a lipstick style container. In order to lubricate the pegs, you will have to loosen the strings, and remove the peg. Once you do this, you will see where the peg has been worn by the peg box, and those are the areas that should be lightly lubricated with a peg compound. Putting on too much pet compound can make the problems worse, so use sparingly. Once you have applied the compound, put the peg back into the peg hole and turn 10 times in each direction to spread out the compound within the peg box. The pegs should now turn smoothly and the strings should now be easier to tune. Using compound will also help prevent premature wear on the pegs and peg box. If after applying the compound you don’t notice a difference, add a little more compound and try again. Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/_5ydgPBPz4s

Loose Chin Rests

Double check the fit of the chin rest to ensure it’s tight to the instrument. If the chin rest becomes loose, simply take a large paper clip and bend it to tighten the chin rest clamp. Be careful not to scratch or gouge the varnish with the paperclip. Setting up your violin may require some trial and error, but with patience and attention to detail, you can achieve an optimal setup that enhances your playing experience. Remember to regularly check and maintain your instrument to ensure it remains in top condition. By mastering the art of violin setup, you’ll not only improve the sound and playability of your instrument but also deepen your connection to the music you create. Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/kAQuGkDEqA4

Open Seams

Checking the instrument for open seams is usually fairly simple. All you need to do is gently knock around the edges of the instrument (on the front and back) with one knuckle and listen. If you hear anything that is not a solid knock, there may be a loose seam. A knock over a loose seam sounds different and may produce vibrations. Open seams aren’t always 100% visible.  Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/lwL3BF2v_tM

While it’s not difficult to purchase clamps and mix up some hide glue, I generally leave seam repair to my local shop. They don’t charge very much for this service. It saves me a lot of time and I know it will get done correctly! Cellos or basses generally develop loose seams, especially when the weather changes. Violins and violas are less susceptible to this problem, but it can happen, especially on older or brand new instruments. 

Soundposts

If a soundpost falls or gets knocked out of place, I generally loosen the strings slightly to release the pressure on the top and send it to a local shop to have it reset. I have attempted to reset sound posts before, but it’s not easy for a beginner. Setting a soundpost takes a lot of practice and a ton of patience. I leave it to the pros! 

The above list of care and maintenance items isn’t a complete list of everything that can go wrong with your instruments, but I’ve found that these are the most frequent items I’ve dealt with in my career. I hope that these tips will be helpful for you. Should you ever have questions or concerns about the care and maintenance of your instruments, your local luthier is usually the best person to contact.