How to Service your Vintage Instruments
How-To Tips: Basics of Musical Instrument Care and Maintenance
For parents of children starting school music programs, we’ve put together some tips on basic musical instrument care and maintenance.
The start of a new school year brings many exciting changes like new teachers, new routines and, often, new musical instruments. For parents of children starting school music programs, we’ve put together some tips on basic musical instrument care and maintenance. Not only will proper instrument care teach budding musicians responsibility, it will also ensure they stay excited and motivated to continue on their musical paths.
Below we’ve broken down care tips by instrument. Be sure to stock up on fun sheet music for each of the instruments mentioned at Musicnotes.com. And remember, when you encourage youngsters to care for and take pride in their instruments, their appreciation for music will shine.
General Musical Instrument Care
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Always keep your instrument in its case when not in use. Make sure case handles, hinges, locks and zippers are working properly.
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Never set anything on top of your instrument, and never store anything on top of your instrument inside its case.
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Don’t leave you instrument in extreme temperatures, as fluctuations can warp and damage your instrument.
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Don’t leave your instrument in a car, where it’s susceptible to hot/cold temperatures as well as humidity fluctuations.
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Don’t leave your instrument unattended, whether inside or outside of its case.
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If your instrument is being brought inside from colder temperatures, allow it to warm up to room temperature before playing.
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Keep your instrument clean of fingerprints and everyday dust and residue. Do this by wiping your instrument down with a clean, soft, non-treated cloth before storing.
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Never attempt to repair an instrument at home. If a repair is needed, take your instrument to a trained instrument repair technician.
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Consider insuring your instrument against theft or damages.