Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question regarding the maintenance or playing of an instrument please post it here and Colin will post a reply to you as soon as possible.

What can I use to polish my violin? Is it safe to use a household spray polish? Is there a better way to clean it?

If the dirt is really thick and threatening to damage your instrument, it will need professional cleaning. All solvents can react with varnish: as can oil and, sometimes, even water, so great care must be taken!

If it's just dusty or has a few fingerprints on, then a dry duster should do the trick! Proprietary spray polish may damage the varnish.

How much difference does a soundpost adjustment make and how much will it cost? Can I do it myself?

It is not advisable to try and move the soundpost yourself: if you move it into too tight a position it may crack the front or, worse, the back! This will result in an extremely expensive repair.

Unless you have the correct tools and the specialist knowledge of sound adjustment, it's best to go to a violin shop!

My pegs keep slipping! Help.

In the first instance, try the violin maker's technical trick. Rub a little chalk around the peg and see if that's enough to stop it slipping. If not, you may need to have someone look at them.

Similarly, if the pegs are too tight, before you run off and pay for them to be fitted, try a little dry soap.

Do I need to buy expensive strings?

Are you any good?

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