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[Intro music] Hello, Iím Riki Gerardy. To keep an instrument
and bow in good working condition, certain procedures are essential. Today, Iím going
to talk about how to look after your violin or cello.
[Intro music] After playing, the best place for an instrument
is in its case. Always unwind the bow, enough to take off
the tension, but not so much as to make the hair floppy.
Then, take a yellow duster, wipe the bow stick and also any rosin from the front of the instrument.
This is important to protect the varnish because either through accumulation of rosin or a
sudden hot day, you can get the rosin melting in to the varnish.
[Intro music] Keep your instrument out of direct sunlight,
away from radiators, and in a room in which the air is not too dry.
Central heating, can cause problems in this way especially in flats.
Cellists have the option of using a device called the ëDampití, which goes through
the sound hole and can protect against excessively dry air. In some cases you might like to consider
using a humidifier in the room. [Intro music]
The seams of a violin or cello are lightly glued so with sudden changes of climate they
will come apart before the table cracks. Now, the front or table of an instrument is
made from spruce, which is a soft wood. If a seam comes open you might well get a
buzz. So the seams of the instrument should be checked regularly to make sure they havenít
come apart, and they should be glued promptly so that no warping can occur.
[Intro music] When lifting a cello that has been laid sideways
on a carpet or a hard floor, lift it straight it up rather than dragging it towards you.
Also, never touch the bow hair especially when winding up the bow. Look by eye to see
if it is correct.