Tips and Guides for Parents
String Care and Maintenance
Tips for Beginning Band
Basic Instrument Care
A Warning About "Bargain" Instruments from Online Auctions
Tips on care and maintenance of String Instruments and Bows
THE INSTRUMENT
TEMPERATUREAvoid exposing any instrument or bow to prolonged sun, or sudden changes in temperature or humidity. Store away from radiators, air vents, and other climate control sources. Never leave an instrument or bow in a car in hot or cold weather, especially if the vehicle is in direct sunlight. Try to allow the instrument and bow to acclimate in the case before opening; the more extreme the temperature or humidity difference, the longer the time that should be allowed for the instrument and bow to adjust to the change.
STRINGSOld strings will lose their original responsiveness and may become 
false. Replace them at regular intervals with fresh strings. Replacement strings should be installed one at a time, to prevent the soundpost from falling, and reduce stress on the instrument itself. Strings should be installed so that the string is wound from the peg hole TOWARDS the peg box walls, making sure that the string does not overlap or cross itself, nor contact the peg box wall. The strings should not loop around tailpiece, but should extend straight from the tailpiece hole to the bridge. A bit of soft pencil lead applied to the grooves in the nut and bridge will help lubricate these areas for smoother tuning. Whether steel, nylon, or gut, take the time to gradually bring the string up to pitch, avoiding over-tuning, which may damage the string. Also, guard against the top of the bridge being pulled forward as the new strings are being brought up to pitch.
Normal usage will eventually cause both the peg and peg hole to wear which may cause slipping or sticking, making tuning more difficult. Ordinary white chalk, applied to the areas of contact on the peg will provide more grip. The operation of pegs that stick or are difficult to rotate, may be improved by the use of peg dope, or the application of lead from a soft graphite pencil.
STRING ADJUSTERSPeriodically check instruments equipped with long arm tuners, checking under the tailpiece to ensure that the lever has not become extended to the point that it comes in contact with the top of the instrument. Over extension of the adjuster will cause the arm to bruise or even damage the varnish and wood. To remedy the situation, turn the adjustment screw counter clockwise, and then raise the string back to pitch by using the peg.
THE BOW
STICKAlways loosen the hair after playing. This preserves the camber (sweep of the bow) and helps prevent warping. Keep the bow free of rosin by gently wiping it clean with a soft, clean cloth after use. The head of a bow is extremely fragile and can easily be fractured, even by a light impact -- refrain from tapping or striking music stand with the bow.
HAIRAvoid allowing the hair to come in contact with any oil or grease, especially from finger contact. Bow hair does wear out with use, not only causing hairs to break more frequently, but also the surface to become clogged and smooth, to the point where further application of rosin will not restore the hair's ability to grip the strings. Worn hair makes it more difficult to draw a clear, resonant tone. Have the bow rehaired periodically, commensurate with use. Humidity, or the lack thereof, will cause the hair to stretch or shrink, as moisture is absorbed or lost. If the hair stretches to the point that tightening does not allow sufficient tension for the hair to clear the stick, or if the hair is so short that the stick is under constant tension even when the screw is fully loosened, the hair will need to be shortened, lengthened, or rehaired.
SCREW AND EYELETThe threads in either bow screw or eyelet, or both, may become stripped, so that the bow can no longer be tightened. While a temporary solution can often be achieved by removing the frog, rotating the brass eyelet 180 degrees, and then reassembling the components, a qualified repairperson should replace the worn parts at the earliest opportunity.
TIP
The ivory, synthetic or composite plate at the tip of the bow serves to reinforce the fragile bow head, especially the mortice, where the bow hair is inserted. If the plate is cracked or broken at this point, it should be replaced promptly to protect the head from further damage.
ROSINApply rosin sparingly and evenly over the full length of the bow hair. Too much rosin will produce a gritty tone. Rotating the rosin cake will prevent deep grooves from forming, and causing the rosin to crack or break at the site of the grooves. Dark rosin is often softer than light rosin, and often more suitable in colder weather, or when more grip is desired.