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*If you don't already own one, get a good quality case for your instrument. A quality case will protect your investment, and is usually not even a fraction of what you would spend on repairs during the lifetime of the instrument. Also, we recomend getting a high quality stand so that when you stop playing your instrument, you don't have to worry about it falling and breaking.
* Keep your instrument in it's case when not in continuous use. It’s a good idea to put your instrument in it’s case even if you need to set it down for a few seconds... If you barely bump a case, it’s not a big deal, but if you barely bump an instrument outside of it’s case, it could fall and break!
* Keep your instrument away from extreme heat, cold, or humidity changes. Avoid placing your instrument on it's stand near heat and air conditioning vents, doors, windows, restrooms, kitchens, outside, or in your car for prolonged periods of time.
* Wipe down your instrument each time you are finished playing. In reed instruments, wipe down and swab out the instrument, and in brass, make sure all the spit valves are cleared. In Stringed instruments, wipe off all sweat, rosin dust and fingerprints off of the instrument.
* Use only quality instrument care and maintenance products. Make sure that the product is made ONLY for your instrument. DO NOT use furniture polish, household cleaners or abrasive materials.
* Never submerge your instrument in water(only trumpets and trombones can withstand water, but only for a short period of time.)
* Never de-tune and remove all the strings at once. Violin, viola, cello, and bass sound posts may fall when string pressure is suddenly changed. The truss rod on a guitar is designed and adjusted to provide counter tension to the strings, removing the tension suddenly can damage or warp the neck of a guitar.
* Change your strings regularly, depending on how often you play. Remove, replace, and tune up one string at a time - constantly keeping the instrument in tune as you go. With reed instruments, make sure that you take the reed off each time you are done playing. If you leave the reed attatched to the mouthpiece, the reed will warp.
*Keep your instrument tuned to standard tuning. An electronic tuner is easy to use, accurate, and a wonderful way to avoid breaking strings. Consider purchasing one if you don't already own one. (We have GREAT selection and GREAT prices on Electronic Tuners!)
* Invest in a quality shoulder rest (violin, viola), a sax shoulder strap, or guitar strap - especially if you stand while playing.
* Bring your instrument into Manselle's Music for monthly or at the least quarterly checkups. We may notice something that you have overlooked or were unaware of. If you have questions or problems, leave it alone and let the professionals do the tweaking. Many instruments have been damaged accidentally by "innocent adjustments". Either have a professional do repairs and adjustments, or get extensive expert hands-on training if you're the do it yourself type.
* Play your instrument often. A fine quality instrument made from solid woods gets better and better the older it gets and the more it's played. As you get to know your instrument, you will become more aware of what it's needs are.
All of Manselle's Music Shop's instruments are of good quality and are shop adjusted and inspected before they are sold. If you take care of your instrument by using some these Helpful Hints, then your instrument will sound and perform well for many years to come!
Instrument Fitting : (As a guideline, not a RULE!!!)
* Violin or * Viola - Hold it under the chin in playing position. If the left-hand fingers can comfortably curl around the scroll, with the elbow slightly bent, the instrument is not too large. Straining to play one too big can be bad for your music or your health.
* Cello - Sit with knees bent square, the C-peg behind the left ear, the middle finger of the left hand able to touch the top of the bridge.
* Bass - Stand behind the bass in playing position, the nut level with the temple, the middle finger of the left hand able to touch the top of the bridge without bending forward. (Note - the normal "adult" size bass is 3/4, not 4/4.)
OUR SUGGESTION: Visit our store to be sized to ensure that you get the correct size of instrument. If you have an instrument that is too small or too big, it really hampers improvement and technique.
* Chin Rests and Shoulder Rests - These should let you play comfortably and securely. We offer many shoulder pads and chin rests that fit different types of chins, necks, etc. Please stay away from worn shoulder pads or brands Manselle's Music does not stock, they might scratch your instrument or prevent you from holding your instrument properly.
* Cleaning - Use a dry cloth to clean the instrument after use - a handkerchief or old T-shirt works fine. If you need to clean or polish it, use only a cleaner or polish made specifically for the violin. Manselle's Music Shop has a variety of different types available. (remember that if you buyor rent an instrument from us, it is free to have it cleaned and polished! Have any cracks or openings repaired first, then wipe it on with a clean soft rag (not the dry cloth kept in your case!) and rub it all off. Keep it away from the strings, bridge, peg holes - and bow!
* Bow - Don't polish the bow, or touch its hair, or wave it around. Don't drop or drag it on the floor, or touch anything but the strings with it. Tighten it just enough to play right, and loosen it after playing. Remove the bow before taking a cello or bass out of a soft case, and replace it after putting the instrument back. Round rosin is best. Rotate it as you apply it - it will last longer and not become grooved. Take your bow to the Manselle's Music Shop if adjustments are needed or if any problems occur. If your bow is taken care of properly, there should be no problems with it.
* Strings & Tuning - Use the right size strings. They should be wound just to the side of the pegbox. Tune the pegs slightly lower, then slowly up to pitch, no higher, pressing in slightly. If pegs slip or stick, have them checked and corrected at Manselle's Music Shop. After a while tuning pulls the bridge toward the fingerboard, which can make it warp or fall or affect the tone. The tailpiece side of the bridge must be kept vertical. Feel free to bring your instrument in to Manselle's Music Shop to have the bridge inspected or adjusted. Use fine tuners with steel core strings, but preferably not with gut and synthetic strings. If the tuner screws go in too far unscrew them (but not enough to buzz) and retune the pegs.
*Problems - If the fingerboard, sound post, or bridge comes loose or breaks, or if you find cracks or openings, loosen the strings right away and take it to Manselle's Music Shop. If the strings buzz or dig deeply into the bridge, or feel too high or too low you should take it to Manselle's Music Shop. Never glue or repair anything yourself - and don't let your parents or a teacher!!!
* Protecting Your Instrument - Don't leave it in extremes of temperature or humidity. Don't leave a cello or bass standing at a wall. Place it gently on its side on the floor, but only when you can't put it in its case, which is the safest place (it doesn't abrade the edges and protects against classmates falling over it). Use a "suspension" case if possible, flat on the floor. Close it securely before picking it up. If you must use a soft case, get a thickly padded one and beware of bumping it in doorways. And don't leave an instrument or bow in an open case on the floor or chair for the careless or absent-minded to sit on or knock off.
MORE tips on care coming soon, be sure to check back! We will have pictures soon! (This page should be completed by December 31st, 2005.)
If you have any suggestions, feel free to contact us!
Manselle’s Music Shop, Inc.
18321 SE McLoughlin Blvd.
Milwaukie, OR 97267
TEL:503-659-9817
EMAIL: sales at mansellesmusic.com
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