Keep your violin fit as a fiddle! Be guided through the process of safely diminishing minor scratches, thoroughly cleaning and polishing, replacing strings, lubricating pegs, and performing general maintenance on your violin. When finished, your violin will look gorgeous and be in tip-top playing condition. No supplies are necessary if you wish to observe, however you will need these supplies to participate:
1. Two paper towels.
2. Violin cleaner/polish, such as
Psarianos or
Hill. Note:
only use cleaners and polishes formulated for the violin.
3. Cleaning cloth, a few 1' x 1' cuts from an old
cotton t-shirt work very well, or clean microfiber cloths.
4. A set of strings (if you wish to replace your strings) a good set are
Dominants, or a less expensive option are
Preludes, other brands that are in-between in cost, are
Zyex and
Helicore. Make sure you are buying the correct size for your violin, 4/4 for full size, 1/2, 3/4 for a kids size, etc.
5. A tiny dollop of olive or almond oil, or similar.
6. 2-4 small pieces of masking tape or other (so once the strings are off, you can label each.)
7. A soft bath towel on which to place your instrument.
8. A small amount of vinegar and water solution, or lemon juice and water, either 1:4 or 5 concentration.
9. A sharp #2, or any soft lead pencil, it's good to have the sharpener nearby.
10. A piece of a walnut or almond, or almost any soft nut will do (for minor scratches, optional.)
11. A
chin rest wrench/chuck, a small pencil-like tool with a protrusion at the tip, which is used to loosen/tighten the screws of the chin rest. Also, a large paper clip will do, but it is recommended to have this affordable tool.
It would be ideal to see what you're doing as you work, so please try to angle your camera to have both you and your work area visible.Optional procedure: in this class we will be showing two ways of working with the instrument, with and without the bridge. Please be advised that if you opt to remove the bridge, there is a small possibility of the soundpost falling. If that happens, you will have to have it reset by a luthier, unless you have the knowhow and tool to right it yourself.
If you have an instrument of high value and/or of old age, it is recommended that you have it professionally serviced.
Perhaps 'goes without saying, but if it is a child's violin, this work may best be done by a parent...with the child's apprenticeship.
Once you enroll, you'll be sent a link to our
Zoom chat room within 2 business days.
Be sure and order any needed supplies early, shipping times may be slower than usual.
Video Chat Workshops