What you can do

Protection
Always keep the instrument and bow in its case when it is not being used. Make sure the bow is securely fastened in the proper place and position, and that it has been loosened properly.

Temperature
String instruments are very sensitive to temperature changes and extremes of heat and cold. The instrument should never be exposed to sudden changes in temperature. It must not be exposed directly to the sun - either in or out of the case. It should be stored away from heat registers or air conditioning outlets. Never leave a string instrument in a car.

Humidity

String instruments are sensitive to variations and extremes in humidity. A humidifier will diminish the chances of low humidity cracking your instrument and it will also less likely to go out of adjustment in dry winter conditions with humidifier use. The humidifier should be checked daily for moisture during the winter months.

Instruments that are maintained with wet humidifiers in the cold months will be much more stable and need fewer repairs in the long run. If you don't have a humidifier, we have a plentiful supply to protect you.

Cleaning
Rosin should be removed immediately after the instrument is played. Use a soft, lint-free cotton cloth to clean the body of the instrument. Do not use any polishes, furniture cleaners or solvents that contain ingredients such as alcohol, turpentine or xylene to clean the instrument. A. Cavallo Violins, LLC offers a very safe, water-based polish that can be applied safely to any violin varnish.

Bridge
The feet of the bridge should usually be aligned with the inner notches cut in the F holes. The side of the bridge closest to the tailpiece should be kept perpendicular to the body of the instrument, and the top edge should be parallel to the end of the fingerboard. Each time the instrument is tuned, the top edge of the bridge tends to be pulled forward towards the fingerboard a little. It is important to check the position of the bridge frequently. If the bridge is neglected, it can warp or even break. If the tilt or thestraighness of the upper edge of the bridge requires adjusting, carefully adjust the bridge by pushing or pulling on the top edge between the A and E and D and G strings with the thumb and first finger of each hand while holding the instrument firmly. Gently move the top of the bridge to the proper position. If you have problems, call us and we will be glad to help you.

Strings
Old strings are lifeless and dull sounding. They should be replaced with new strings. The finest instrument will not sound good with poor strings. The strings should be replaced one at a time. Check the bridge's adjustment, guarding against the to edge being pulled toward the fingerboard excessively while bring the new strings up to pitch gradually.

Fine Tuners
If your tuner has a lever under the tailpiece, be careful that the lever does not touch the top of the instrument. This can seriously damage the wood. To reduce the depression of the lever, simply turn the screw to the left (counterclockwise) then raise the pitch with the peg. Fine tuners may be lubricated with a nut oil such as walnut, almond or olive. Put a little on a rag or paper towel and lightly apply it to the threads of the screw.

Chinrest
If the chinrest is loose or touching the tailpiece, it may produce a buzzing sound. It can be made firm by inserting a chinrest key in the small hole in each chinrest barrel. Turn the barrels to tighten the chinrest just enough to secure the rest firmly. Do not over-tighten the chinrest!

Pegs
Pegs should work smoothly and hold the string tension. If they are not working properly, the first thing that should be checked is how the strings wind around the peg. The pegs should be wound so that the last part of the string is closest to the head of the peg side of the peg box, so the string tends to pull the peg's conical shape into the peg hole. If the pegs do not turn smoothly, application of Hill peg compound is usually effective. Over time, all pegs and the peg box become worn. When this happens, it is time to bring the instrument to a professional repairperson for refitting.

Insurance
Insurance is important! Students can insure their instruments through their parents' homeowners insurance, but be certain the insurance covers you for normal risks string instruments encounter. Very good policies are also available as group policies through professional organizations such as the American Federation of Musicians, American String Teachers, and the Suzuki Association of the Americas.

Repairs that should be done by a professional repairman
Bow Rehairing
The hair's ability to grip the strings and produce a beautiful sound is reduced following repeated use and time. Your bow should be rehaired at least twice a year if you use your instrument every day. Inexpert bow rehairs can damage the bow, so always take care to have your bow rehaired by an expert.

Care of the Fingerboard
Over time the fingerboard will develop grooves where the strings are depressed. Grooves prevent free vibration of the strings. The board needs to have an adequate concave dip to it. Your repair professional will also check the grooves in the nut, or far end, of the fingerboard. A properly shaped fingerboard can make playing in tune much easier and prevent buzzes.

Summer and Winter Bridges
In warm seasons the tops of many string instruments tend to swell upward due to the increase in humidity. This can raise the bridge and lifts the strings too high above the fingerboard for comfortable playing. A lower bridge may be needed. In cold weather the opposite is true - the top of the instrument will be at its lowest level. A higher bridge may be required. Otherwise the strings will be too close to the fingerboard to permit free vibration. See your professional repairperson for help with these problems. Many cellists and a few violinists and violists have winter and summer bridges and sound posts.

Sound Posts
If the post was fitted during cold weather, it may be too short for summer use when the top of the instrument raises. Conversely, if it was fitted in very warm weather, it may be too long for winter use when the top is lower. Unless the sound post fits properly, the tone will be not be optimal, and an improperly fittted post can damage an instrument. If it happens to fall or move, loosen the string tension and ask your repair professional to reposition it.

Cracks and Openings
If your string instrument develops cracks or openings, do not glue it at home! Improper gluing can damage the instrument and not be reversible. Most gluing can be done overnight. The sooner you bring your instrument in to us, the easier it is for us to repair it.