STRING CARE

Some Simple Tips to keep your Strings in Top Condition

Treat your new strings as you would your instrument. Strings are best in a clean dry environment free from excesses of humidity and temperature change.

Keep your Strings Clean.
Excess rosin, moisture (sweat from fingers!) and other extraneous material build up between the windings will not only make them sound dull but also make them brittle and more prone to breakage. Proprietary cleaners are available, but alcohol is cheaper and just as effective. But take care, ANY alcohol coming into contact with the varnish of your instrument will have disastrous results. You may wish to consider sliding a piece of stiff card or other barrier under the strings to avoid even the slightest brush of your impregnated cloth.
Cleaning is best done after every session and for best results the whole string should be treated.
Regular cleaning in this way will keep your strings sounding sweeter for much longer.

Excess resin should also be removed from your bow with a soft dry cloth at the same time.

Easing Friction
Tightening strings produces tension and friction on your strings at the contact points. You can ease the effects of this by rubbing a little graphite (soft lead pencil) in the string grooves on the bridge and nut.

Changing Strings
Pretty obvious, but worth repeating, when changing a set of strings always start with the lowest strings and complete one string at a time. This eases the effects of violent tension change on the instrument and should make it easier to retune. You will also avoid the embarrassment of a fallen sound post.
Always remember to check for pulling on the bridge when tightening. The graphite should help things slide nicely into place.

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