A HELPFUL GUIDE
Caring For Your String Instrument
Temperature & Environment
Keep your instrument away from heat, cold, and direct sunlight — including car interiors and windows.
Cleaning & Dust
Wipe down your instrument after every use to prevent rosin from bonding to the varnish.
Use a cotton cloth on the fingerboard, strings, and body
Don't forget the stick of your bow
Humidity Control
Heated buildings in winter can drop below 20% humidity–low enough to cause cracks or open seams.
Aim for 40–60% humidity, ideally inside your case. Your case can double as a controlled humidity environment.
Recommended hygrometer:
D'Addario Humidity & Temp Sensor
Recommended case humidifiers:
Boveda (easiest to use)
Oasis
Stretto
Peg Tuning & Friction
In low humidity, pegs can lose grip. Here's how to fix that before calling a luthier.
Apply peg compound to the peg
Re-wind the string so it sits right next to the peg box wall
If pegs still don't hold equal and constant friction, they may be worn — have a luthier take a look.
Bridge Alignment
The bridge should stand centered between the inner f-hole notches, with the back face perpendicular (90°) to the instrument top.
Rub pencil lead in string grooves one at a time — helps strings move smoothly and reduces lean
To adjust angle: lay instrument in your lap, brace fingers on tailpiece and fingerboard, and nudge each side of the bridge near the strings with your thumbs
If this feels difficult or uncertain, contact your luthier.
