Keep your violin or viola 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.
You may observe this class, or be guided through taking care of your violin. Feel free to participate wholly, or in only the parts of class that you wish.
You'll need some supplies to participate:
1. Two paper towels.
2. Violin cleaner/polish, such as
Psarianos or
Hill. Only use cleaners and polishes formulated for the violin.
3. Cleaning cloth, a few 8-12 inch squares cut 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 is
Dominants, or a less expensive option is
Preludes (bright) other brands that are in-between in cost, are
Zyex (brighter) and
Helicore (darker.) 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. A small piece of masking tape (so once the strings are off, you can label them.)
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, about a 10% concentration.
9. A sharp #2, or any soft lead pencil, it's helpful to have the sharpener nearby.
10. A piece of a walnut or almond, or almost any soft nut will do (for darkening minor scratches, optional.)
11. A
chin rest wrench, 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 angle your camera to have both you and your work area visible.
If you have an instrument of high value, or older 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. If you're already a StringSchool student, the link to this workshop will be the same as for our classes, and private lessons.
Be sure and order any needed supplies early!
Video Chat Workshops