Looking after fiddles
In time we will include some basic tips on looking after your fiddle.
For now just do the obvious things. Don't drop or bash it and
don't
leave it where someone may sit or stand on it. When you finish
playing wipe the strings using a soft dry cloth. Don't let the
fiddle get too hot (direct sun is a bad idea) and never get it wet.
Clean off excess rosin every now and then as it can damage the
varnish. That should do for now.
So do want to change the strings? You should do this every few months
really (but to be honest once a year is good enough.) Here are
some
basic instructions but the first time you do it get help from someone
who knows what they are doing.
How to change strings
Looking after bows
Same as fiddles - no dropping, bashing or sitting on (they make a
fantastic snapping sound - we know because it happened once, and
the splinters shot off in all directions impaling innocent bystanders -
very dangerous.) When you finish playing always slacken the bow -
if your leave it tight it may bend, but not in the right direction.
Care for your bow
Looking after flutes and
whistles
Yep, nothing much here yet. For starters, keep them clean and
always wipe out the wet before you put them away. Wooden instruments
can crack if left wet, or if allowed to dry out (in centrally heated
rooms for example). This is why oiling them is a good idea.
You can find help on the web and we will put something here
eventually. Metal and plastic whistles need very little looking
after but they can get very unsavoury if not cleaned. Personally
I wouldn't touch a metal whistle with one of those wooden bits
(fipples) in the mouth piece - nasty tasting, rough and generally not
nice to put near your mouth.
.
Looking after guitars
This is even lower down the priority ratings but maybe one day there
will be help here. The changing of strings is of course a regular
event for guitar players (or should be) and the link below will be
updated as soon as possible.
Changing guitar strings
Suppliers and repairers
Local fiddle supplies - try Wilkies House of Music in Perth.
Music - Wilkies or Concorde in Perth are both good.
Fiddles - if you know what you are looking for try the Violin shop in
Falkland.
Our very own Mr Gardner is good at fixing
things. email bfg for contact details.
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