Rosin, dirt, and perspiration from the hand are abrasive to your instrument's delicate finish and will produce an undesirable sticky buildup.

Varnish is especially vulnerable. This can be avoided with proper care and handling. Use a soft cloth to wipe the strings, fingerboard, under the fingerboard, the right upper shoulder, and any other area where rosin accumulates or skin touches the instrument. This should be done after each use and is the simplest and most effective way to preserve your instrument's finish.

Touch the finish of the instrument as little as possible to avoid dirt and oil buildup from your hands. Violins and violas should be handled by the neck and bottom of the instrument near the chinrest when the instrument is removed from its case, and also when not in a playing or rest position. Cellos and string basses should only be handled by the neck and under one of the upper corners as much as possible.

Always treat your instrument with great care and avoid situations where it could be damaged. For violinists and violists, many accidents occur from leaving instruments unattended on chairs or dangling by the scroll on music stands. Chairs and stands are often accidentally bumped during rehearsals, causing instruments to fall to the floor. Cellists and bassists should be careful to avoid impact to the neck and scroll of their instruments. This is the most common cause of neck separation and may be irreparable in severe cases. It's best to be aware of your surroundings and any potential situation that could harm your instrument. In addition, storing your instrument in a case when it is not being played is the best option to prevent accidents and damage. See our selection of cases.

An instrument is a purchase of value and one that can be protected by insuring it. Inexpensive instruments may be listed on a homeowner's policy. Check with your insurance agent for details and exclusions to understand exactly what is covered. For example, some policies do not cover theft from an unattended vehicle or if the instrument is being used in a professional capacity. Also, some companies offer separate instrument policies and are intended for instruments of significant value and/or professional players. For expensive instruments, the annual expenditure is miniscule compared to the cost of having to replace the instrument out of your own pocket. In addition, document your instrument so that it can be identified if it is stolen. Take photographs of the front, back, sides, and scroll of the instrument and write down any serial numbers and information from the maker's label. Also keep your receipt to document your purchase. Taking these precautions will help protect you from the financial consequences of loss of your instrument.

Wood instruments are adversely affected by both extremes in humidity and temperature. Wood absorbs moisture from the air during humid conditions and loses moisture during dry conditions and responds by swelling or shrinking. Temperature is also an issue. Extreme hot or cold will also affect your instrument. Exposure to these conditions may affect the tone and structural integrity of your instrument.

Low Humidity - During dry conditions, moisture in the wood evaporates, causing it to shrink. As a result, open seams and cracks may occur. This is an issue in dry climates and during cold winter months in most places. When cold air is heated, moisture is lost, producing dry conditions. Many people find it useful to store their instrument in a room with a humidifier to compensate for moisture loss. In addition, a number of humidifying products are available for instruments and cases.


High Humidity - During humid conditions, wood absorbs moisture and may cause the instrument to swell and distort. High humidity is more difficult to control, but using an air conditioner will help to remove some moisture and help regulate indoor humidity.

Temperature - Exposure to extreme temperatures can also adversely affect your instrument. For example, cracks and open seams may develop from both extreme cold and hot temperatures. In addition, varnish is extremely sensitive to temperature and can melt or develop imprints from the case fabric during high temperatures. This is a common problem of instruments that are left in a hot car or in direct sunlight. It's best to avoid these situations. Also, if your instrument is exposed to large temperature differences such as coming inside from the cold, keep the instrument in its case and let it acclimate to room temperature. This may help to prevent damage.

Buzzing, cracks, and open seams are other situations you may encounter. Most sources of buzzing are simply a loose string adjuster, chinrest, or a string winding and are easily corrected by tightening the loose component or changing the string. In addition, finger tapes on the fingerboard of student instruments often cause buzzing. Other sources include loose purfling, cracks, and open seams. Open seams are a minor repair and are the instrument's natural response to changes in its environment. Most players will encounter an open seam at some point. Cracks can be minor or major repairs depending on location and severity. A professional luthier should repair any open seams and cracks. In addition, always monitor your instrument's setup for any changes in playability and sound.