Snow violin, Lu-Mi violin, Ifshin violin, Jay Haide violin

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12/10/07

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Used Instruments, 11/26/07

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 Upcoming Workshop Venues

Lazar's Early Music

Violins, Violas, Cellos, Basses

Baroque Violins

 Modern Violins

Lu-Mi Baroque Violin Family

Jay-Haide (Ifshin) Baroque Violin Family

Charlie Ogle Baroque Violin Family

Snow Modern Stringed Instruments

Instrument Care
Lu-Mi Baroque Strings


The inspiration behind both the Lu-Mi viols and violin family instruments is Markku Luolajan-Mikkola, a Finnish gamba player with an international reputation. He studied viola da gamba with Wieland Kuijken and Baroque cello with Jaap ter Linden at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, and received postgraduate diplomas in both instruments.

This range of Lu-Mi instruments is therefore performer-inspired and the degree to which Markku has taken both his research and the later development of the series is exemplary and humbling. He has trained established violin-makers in the art of gamba-making. He has provided prototypes and drawings and has worked alongside the craftsmen.  More importantly, he accepts nothing but excellence and is constantly striving for improvements in both sound, aesthetics and ergonomics. These are, above all, instruments designed by a player of considerable distinction for discerning and competent players. The results speak for themselves. They are head and shoulders above anything else commercially available and represent an extraordinarily good value for the money. It is not too bold an assertion to say that they are probably worth twice their asking price. We consider ourselves fortunate to have regular access to them.

Cellos:

The Stradivarius model gives a bright sound and is narrower and easier to hold between legs. 

The Montagnana model gives darker sound and is wider and perhaps more difficult to hold for small players.

The Servais Stradivarius model is a very large cello often used in 17th Century repertoir. It is not as good for solos as the smaller models, since it is so large.  However, it is ideal for orchestras, basso continuo and low Bb flat tuning (a whole step lower).
Baroque Violin String Length (mm) Corpus length (mm) Corpus width

(upper/middle/lower)

(mm)

 Image   Price
after            
Nicola Amati '1649 328 351.5 163.5/110.5/202.25  

with hard case

 $2450
Modern violin after Guarnerius "del Jesu" '1742 328 354 168/112.5/207 1,2,3,4 with hard case $2450
Jacobus Stainer '1679 325 351.5 351.5/110/200   with hard case $2450
Antonius Stradivarius '1715 328 356 168/110/208   with hard case $2450
Baroque violino piccolo "Nicola Amati" '1649 295 320 148.8/100.5/184   with hard case $2450
Student Baroque Violin         with soft case $1475
             
Baroque Viola            
after            
Gasparo da Salo '1580 353 392.25 195.5/131/243.3 1,2,3 with hard case $2650
Gasparo da Salo '1580 378 420 210/145/260   with hard case $2650
Antonius Stradivarius 373 406 190/130/243   with hard case $2650
420 mm (16.5")         with hard case $2650
 Tenor viola after G. da Salo 380 440 213/140/254.8   with hard case $2650
Student Baroque Viola         with soft case $1625
             
Baroque 'Cello            
after            
5-string cello after Domenico Montagnana 690 741 361/261/445.5   with hard case, added high e string $4250
A. Stradivarius "Davidov" '1712 690 757 340/232/436 1,2,3,4 with hard case $4050
D. Montagnana "Sleeping Beauty" 1739 690 741 361/261/445.5 1,2,3,

4,5,6

 with hard case $4050
Stradivarius "Servais" '1701 710 785 361/245/464     $4050
Student Baroque 'Cello         with soft case $2950
             
Baroque Bows         Chinese, Snakewood $450

Jay Haide Baroque Violin Family Instruments

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I now carry the Ifshin Violins' Jay Haide line of Baroque violins, violas, 'cellos to meet the needs of musicians performing early music.  Ifshin Violins' recently introduced Jay Haide à l'ancienne Baroque violins have been handcrafted and set up to exact Baroque specifications and provide the musician an opportunity to own a fine Baroque instrument at a reasonable price. We feel sure that the Jay Haide Baroque violins will be popular with professional Baroque musicians as well as any musician who wants to experience the joy of playing the music of Bach, Vivaldi and Handel as it was originally performed. Unlike many instruments in this price range, all Jay Haide instruments are completely hand-made of quality seasoned maple and spruce and have a tone quality and workmanship normally found in those costing much more.

The new Jay Haide à l'ancienne violins, violas, and 'cellos are brought to you after years of development with the collaboration of master European luthiers known for their fine varnish technique. The varnish is a new formulation, carefully applied and beautifully antiqued giving each instrument the patina of age, so desired by both musicians and connoisseurs. And, they are as beautiful tonally as they are visually. The Jay Haide à l'ancienne has been designed for the advanced student and professional who needs an instrument that will compliment and enhance their artistic style.


Any musician that purchases a Jay Haide from us will be buying an instrument set up to the highest professional standards by violin makers at Ifshin Violins.

Jay Haide VIOLINS

    

 

a l'ancienne Baroque Violin

 Stradivarius, Guarneri, Balestrieri

  

$2500
       

Jay Haide VIOLAS

   
à l'ancienne Baroque "Maggini"   $3500
     

 Jay Haide'cellos

    
à l'ancienne Baroque

Strad, Montagnana, Ruggieri

75 cm body; 69 cm string length

Pictures:1,2,3,4,5

   $5200
       

Charlie Ogle Chinese Baroque Stringed Instruments

These instruments are made in the Charlie Ogle Workshop in Beijing.  They are set up and adjusted by Charlie Ogle.  All instruments are set up and ready to play.  Padded cloth cases are included unless otherwise indicated.  All instruments have hand carved spruce tops.  Backs and sides are maple.
Instrument Pictures Description Price
Baroque Violin 1,2,3,4,5 without case; case $80 extra $1100
Baroque Viola   without case; case $80 extra $1400
Baroque Cello   with padded cloth case $2750
Cello Piccolo   with padded cloth case $2900
Viola d'amore   with padded cloth case $1950
       
Baroque Violin Bow     $425

Snow Stringed Instruments

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Violins

Violas

Cellos

Basses

Sound Files

Bows

Cases
　 　

HISTORY
 

Snow’s workshop, established almost 20 years ago in Beijing, China, by renowned luthier Xueping Hu (Winner of Certificate of Merit for Tone at the 2006 Violin Society Of America Competition), is known for their exquisite violins, violas, cellos, and basses.  Snow Stringed Instruments offers a broad selection of fine stringed instruments ranging from quality student models to professional level models.

Snow's workshop has continued to refine its artistry and follow the latest technologies in crafting exquisite string instruments. When Yo-Yo Ma performed with musicians from the Silk Road Ensemble, he used the Snow JHS Montagnana cello built by Xueping Hu and expressed his surprise that this instrument was made by a Chinese luthier. 

The company’s name, Snow, originates from the workshop owner’s first name XuePing, which translates into Snow. XuePing was trained in China by the great violin making master, Quan Zheng, who studied in Cremona, Italy; thus XuePing’s instruments are of the Italian style.

In 1998, Jack Hu came to NY to expand his brother's, XuePing’s, company into an international wholesale stringed instrument business.  Snow instruments are now familiar to dealers across the US, and are also marketed in Asia, Australia, and Europe
　 　 　
　

WORKMANSHIP
 
 　

The workshop in Beijing started in 1988 with only 5 workers. Today the workshop employs 70 craftsmen.

These trained craftsmen are familiar with the complex physical and acoustical properties of the violin. Each particular model is made by a specific group of craftsmen dedicated to that instrument model alone. Special training is offered for top-of-the-line workers.

XuePing experimented a lot on improving arching, workmanship, sound quality and varnishing. He uses the highest professional standards at every step in the process of making these fine instruments.

Snow also invites foreign violin makers to educate their employees in China in order to improve their instrument making techniques.
　 　 　
　

MATERIAL
 
 　

 

All of Snow’s instruments are handmade. The wood used comes from Sichuan and Yun-nan Provinces (Southern region) and in the North East region of China. The spruce is used for the top comes from the Northeast and Northwest Xinjiang Province. Maple is used for the back. The wood of higher level instruments, for example the PV1000 model, is specially selected from Northern Italian sources in the Alps region of Dolomite. It is the best material one can get for sound production.

The wood is naturally dried outside in a covered, ventilated area for 3-4 years. Then the wood is put into a drying room conforming to the old traditional European way. This process ensures that the wood will not crack or expand. This guarantees stability.

 
　 　 　
　

SNOW INSTRUMENTS
 
 　

 

 

There is no extra work needed on the part of dealers to change the set-up (plain fingerboard, adjusted sound-post, bridge, and tuning pegs). Once instruments are shipped to NY, the tone quality and set-up are double checked by specialists to make sure the instruments are ready for purchase and playing.

Instruments range from the student, or beginner level, to the professional level.
 
Violins Top of Page
Model Pictures Description Size Price Outfit Price

Generally the Guarneri models tend to be warmer and sweeter than Strads. The PV1000 is the Maggini copy and has a darker tone and is the warmest of Snow models. The JHS is a more powerful and bolder instrument, the top level.
The Simona is the latest Snow model and they've been getting wonderful reactions on these. Very elegant looking, made with an oil and spirit blend giving a strong presence of grace, warmth and openness while playing with such ease.
 
Snow SV200 　                  Entire instrument is hand-rubbed and antique varnished, two-piece maple back and solid carved Itlaian spruce top for a warm and smooth tone.  Accurately fitted Aubert bridge, ebony fingerboard, Wittner tailpiece, Dominant strings. Fine Brazilwood bow and nice quality oblong case.
1/4-4/4 $735  
Snow SV300 　                  Flamed maple back, Italian spruce top, clean workmanship, lightly antique varnish expressing a dark, mature sound.
1/2-4/4 $1040  
SV400 　                  Made with beautifully figured select tonewoods. Italian spruce top and an enhanced flamed maple one- or two-piece back. The scroll most artistically hand carved on the back and sides. Slightly shaded to imitate old finish, 1704 spirit varnish. Warm response with unique character and tremendous tone. 1/4--4/4 $1260  
Snow HV500 　                  A very modern Italian look. Transparent spirit varnish showing the beautiful flamed wood and the higher grade of Italian spruce with a nice even grain. Rich and sensitive tone. 3/4, 4/4 $1575  
Snow HV600 　                  The body is covered with Italian 1704 varnish. Color, medium red-brown, excellent material and workmanship throughout. Although of a dark color, the varnish is very transparent, showing the beautiful grain.      
Snow PV800 　                  These violins use selected Italian supreme-quality spruce. The body is covered with Italian 1704 varnish, cleverly imitating authentically old instruments. Color, medium red-brown, excellent material and workmanship throughout. Although of a dark color, the varnish is very transparent, showing the beautiful grain. 3/4, 7/8, 4/4 $1995  
Snow PV900 　                  Made with selected aged European tone woods, a captivating violin with an engaging antiqued varnish, processing a rich and sensitive tone. Various Italian models.

Sound Files:

7 Strads 1-piece back: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7

Strad 2-piece back: 1

Guarneri 2-piece back: 1

3/4--4/4 $2310  
Snow PV1000 　                  Strad or Guarnerius (2006) or Maggini (2007; double purfling) model. These instruments are constructed of the very finest European tone woods for a resonant body. The highest tone quality, remarkably delicate varnish with excellent tonal projection. Clever imitation resembles authentically to old instruments, Italian 1704 varnished, highly polished. 4/4

Strad, Guarneri

 $2835  
4/4

Maggini

 $2700  
Snow JHS-Simona Finished by William Hu, made of selected aged European tonewoods with a spirit and oil varnish mix for a very elegant and attractive appearance; graceful, warm tone and plays with such ease.

Sound Files: 21,23,24,25

 4/4 $3150  
Snow JHS-V 　                  Individual handmade violins by award-winning maker, William Hu. Bold presence, strong character, well balanced; The striking JHS is the instrument of choice for the advanced player. Top is of aged European tonewoods, the back is of selected maple or BosnianThis instrument is preferred for its warm tone, playability. Linseed oil varnish, slightly antique golden color, can be furnished in various models. For professional use. 4/4 $3675  
Xueping Hu   Individual handmade violins by Xueping Hu. Most impressive tone quality that is perfect for the soloist for concert use. Made by special request only. 4/4 $7350  
Snow WV400   White violin B level 4/4    
Snow WV500   White violin A level 4/4    
Snow SVC200   Wood flamed, shaped case. 1/4-4/4    
Snow SVC300   Wood flamed, oblong shape with nylon velour interior. 1/4-4/4    
Snow SVC400   Wood flamed, oblong shape with silk velour interior. 4/4    
           
Viola Top of Page
Snow SA200                  Entire instrument is hand-rubbed and antique varnished, two-piece maple back and solid carved Italian spruce top for a warm and smooth tone. Accurately fitted Aubert bridges, ebony fingerboard, Dominant-Jargar strings. Fine Brazilwood bow and nice quality oblong adjusted case.

 

 15"-16.5" $1000  
Snow SA300 Flamed maple back, Italian spruce top, clean workmanship, lightly antique varnish expressing a dark, mature sound. 15"-16.5" $1365  
Snow SA400 　                  Made with beautifully figured select tonewoods. Italian spruce top and an enhanced flamed maple two-piece back. The scroll most artistically hand carved on the back and sides.  Italian 1704 varnished, highly polished, very attractive antique look. Warm response with unique character and tremendous tone. 15"-16.5" $1575  
Snow HA500 　                  The body is covered with golden brown oil varnish. Transparent varnish showing the beautiful flamed wood. This viola brings a rich and sensitive tone. 15.5", 16"    
Snow PA800 　                  These violas are made with selected supreme quality beautifully figured woods. Clever imitation resembles authentically old instruments. Italian 1704 varnished, highly polished. 15"-16.5" $2520  
Snow PA900                  Selected aged European tone woods, various Italian models, attractive antique varnish.  Possessing a rich and sensitive sound.

 

 15.5"-, 16.5" $3150  
Snow PA1000 　                  Maggini copy with double purfling on the top and design on the back.  These instruments are constructed of the very finest Europe tone woods, for a resonant body.  Delicately varnished with excellent tonal projection. Clever imitation resembles authentically to old instruments, Italian 1704 varnished, highly polished.

 

 15.5", 16" $3675  
Snow  JHS-A                  Individual handmade violas by William Hu. Bold presence, strong character, well balanced; The striking JHS is the instrument of choice for the advanced player. Top is of aged European tonewoods, the back is of selected maple or Bosnian. Maggini, Strad, Guadagnini, Testore copies available. 16", 16.5" $4200  

Xueping Hu

   Individual handmade by Xueping Hu. Most impressive tone quality that is perfect for the soloist, for concert use. Made by special request only. 4/4 $8400  
Snow WA400   White viola B level 15"-16.5"    
Snow WA500   White viola A level 15"-16.5"    
Snow SAC300   Adjustable viola case with a nylon velour interior 1/4-4/4    
Snow SAC400   Adjustable viola case with a silk velour interior 4/4    
'Cellos Top of Page
Snow SC200                  　Entire instrument is hand-rubbed and antique varnished.  Solid carved spruce top and two-piece maple back for a warm and smooth tone. Available in Strad, Montagnana, Guadinini.  Accurately fitted Aubert bridges, ebony fingerboard, Wittner tailpiece.
1/8-4/4 $2675  
Snow SC300                  Professional hand-made instruments. Flamed maple back, Italian spruce top, clean workmanship, lightly antique 1704 spirit varnish expressing a dark, mature sound.  Montagnana & Strad available. 1/2-4/4 $3150  
Snow SC400                  The two-piece back is made of selected flamed maple. The scroll most artistically hand carved on the back and sides. These beautiful antique looking 'cellos have an incredibly even and focused sound. 1/4-4/4 $3675  
Snow HC500                  A very modern Italian look.  The body is covered with golden or golden brown oil varnish. Transparent spirit varnish showing the beautiful flamed wood, showing the beautiful flamed wood and the higher grade of Italian spruce with a nice even grain. . This 'cello gives a rich and sensitive tone. 4/4 $3990  
Snow PC800                  These 'cellos are made with beautifully figured woods. Clever imitation resembles authentically old instruments. Italian 1704 varnish, highly polished. 1/2-4/4 $4500  
Snow PC1000                 

Made with selected aged European tone woods, a captivating cello with an engaging antiqued varnish, processing a rich and sensitive tone. Available in Montagnana or Strad.

 

 3/4-4/4 $5250  
Snow  JHS-C                  Individual handmade 'cellos by William Hu. This instrument is preferred for its warmth of tone, playability. Following the authentic Italian style of cello making. Made with selected aged tone woods, a captivating cello with an engaging LInseed oil antiqued varnish, processing a rich and sensitive tone. Available in Amati, Guadinini, Strad & Montagnana. 4/4 $6300  

Xueping Hu

   Individual handmade cellos by Xueping Hu. Most impressive tone quality. Uses selected European supreme-quality spruce. Made by special request only. 4/4 $9450  
Snow WC500   White 'cello 1/2-4/4    
Snow SCC400   Fiberglass case with wheels, top handle added, shiny silver color 4/4    
Bass Top of Page
Snow SB400 　                  The two-piece back is made of selected flamed maple. Fully carved back, and has violin corners and a round back, well cut scroll, engraved side-plates with Rubner machines. Slightly shaded to imitate old finish, 1704 spirit varnish, tremendous quality. 3/4 $7350  
Snow HB500                  These basses are made with beautifully figured woods. Clever imitation resembles authentically old instruments. Italian 1704 varnish, highly polished. Fully carved back, and has violin corners and a round-back, well cut scroll, engraved side-plates. 3/4 $8400  
Snow HB600   Selected best material, attractive antique varnish   $9450  
Violin Bow Top of Page
Snow SVB200   Brazilwood, octagon shape, ebony frog 1/16-4/4 $115  
Snow SVB300   Pernambuco wood, octagon shape, nickel mounted 3/4-4/4 $290  
Snow SVB400   Silver mounted, pernambuco wood, round shape 3/4-4/4 $520  
Viola Bow
Snow SAB200   Brazilwood, octagon shape, ebony frog Standard $130  
Snow SAB300   Pernambuco wood, octagon shape, nickel mounted Standard $350  
Snow SAB400   Silver mounted, pernambuco wood, round shape Standard $580  
Cello Bow
Snow SCB200   Brazilwood, octagon shape, ebony frog 1/8-4/4 $190  
Snow SCB300   Pernambuco wood, octagon shape, nickel mounted 3/4-4/4 $435  
Snow SCB400   Silver mounted, pernambuco wood, round shape 4/4 $640  
Bass Bow
Snow SBB200(G)   German style, Brazilwood, octagon shape, ebony frog 3/4 $290  
Snow SBB200(F)   French style, Brazilwood, octagon shape, ebony frog 3/4 $290  
Snow SBB300(G)   German style, Pernambuco wood, octagon shape, nickel mounted 3/4 $640  
Snow SBB300(F)   French style, Pernambuco wood, octagon shape, nickel mounted 3/4 $640  
Snow SBB400(G)   German style, silver mounted, pernambuco wood, round shape 3/4 $725  
Snow SBB400(F)   French style, silver mounted, pernambuco wood, round shape 3/4 $725  
Violin Cases Top of Page
SVC200   Wood shaped case 1/8 - 4/4 $115  
SVC300   Wood oblong case with nylon velour 1/4 - 4/4 $175  
SVC400   Wood oblong case with silk velour 4/4 $260  
SVC500   Foam oblong case with silk velour 4/4 $290  
Viola Cases
SAC300   Wood oblong with nylon velour   $190  
SAC400   Wood oblong with silk velour   $290  

Chris English Bows

Chris English is a Port Townsend, WA highly skilled bowmaker.  His bows are finely crafted using the highest quality materials, personally chosen from such places as Brazil, Spain and France.  His acquisition and study of materials to learn their characteristics, his interaction with musicians, and his study of bows in collections and museums are all integral factors in his personalized and successful approach to bow making.  His bows are highly regarded in the viola da gamba community.


 Bows may be tried on approval.

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Pictures Model Decorative Options Price
  Blackwood Mastodon Ivory, Ebony Frog $1300
  Ironwood Mastodon Ivory, Ebony Frog $1300
  Figured Snakewood Mastodon Ivory, Ebony Frog $1400
1, 2 Highly Figured Snakewood Mastodon Ivory, Ebony Frog $1400

Approximate Specifications (Examples)

Size Weight Range Weight (grams) / Bow Length (cm) / Free Hair Length (cm)
    Example #1 Example #2 Example #3
Treble 50-55 53 / 71 / 58    
Tenor 58-65 59.5 / 70.5 / 57.7 62 / 71.1 / 58.2  
Bass 78-86 82 / 75.5 / 61.2 79.5 / 76 / 61.5 82.5 / 76.3 / 62

All sizes are the same price.  Other decorative options are available

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Instrument Stands

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K&M

17580-000-54

 Picture Gamba/Cello/Guitar Stand A very unique guitar stand designed especially for acoustic guitars. Also suitable for headless guitars, 'cellos and french horns. 5-way width adjustment. Compact, folding design makes it easy to transport and store. Exclusive non-marring material to protect guitar finishes is molded onto stand during the manufacturing process. Available in 4 colors. Set includes 3 black, 1 blue, 1 red and 1 green stand. Blue $25.00
Wt: 1.0 kg, H: 340 mm.; fits body depth of about 5"
K&M

17580-000-55

 Picture Gamba/Cello/Guitar Stand Same as above Black $25.00
K&M

17580-000-59

 Picture Gamba/Cello/Guitar Stand Same as above Red $25.00
K&M

17580-000-60

 Picture Gamba/Cello/Guitar Stand Same as above Green $25.00
Peak ST-10   6- or 7-string bass gamba stand  A little extra depth (~5-3/8") to fit many 7-string viols Black $25.00

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Instrument Care

Quick Care Summary

  • When you are not playing your instrument, keep it in its closed and latched case.
  • In the winter, use a humidifier.
  • Don’t cook it.
  • Don’t freeze it.
  • Keep it clean.
  • Don’t drop it; hold it by the neck only.
  • Use the shoulder rest properly.
  • Keep the bridge straight.
  • Lube the pegs.
  • Take care of the bow. Loosen the hair when you are not playing and have it rehaired once a year.
  • Only allow qualified technicians work on your instrument.

Best Care Practices

  1. When not in use the instrument should be kept in its closed and latched case—and this means during rehearsal breaks too! If small children have access to the case it should be locked; however no lock will keep a determined thief or vandal from opening your case. If the case cover has a zipper, remember to unzip it all the way—otherwise the zipper will fail prematurely.
  2. Extremes of temperature or humidity are not good for instruments. Rapid changes in humidity can cause open seams, cracks in the finish, and cracks in the wood itself. During dry humidity periods a tubular instrument humidifier should be used. Please refer to instructions for its use, at right. Excessive humidity is also a problem, but it is more difficult to control—keep your instrument out of the basement in the summer.
  3. Never leave your instrument in a hot car or you will get a big surprise! The temperature inside a car directly in sunlight can exceed 150° F. This is also why you should never store any musical instrument in the attic. The varnish can be damaged and instruments assembled with improper glue can literally melt apart. Conversely, a cold violin can be problematic as well. If your instrument gets below 40° F, allow it to warm up gradually in its case before you remove it. If an instrument warms up too fast the result is similar to the above humidity problems.
  4. Always wipe the rosin off of your instrument after you have finished playing. Accumulated rosin can damage the finish. Use a soft 100% cotton cloth like an old non-terry dishtowel or part of an old sweatshirt. If rosin cannot be removed, take your instrument to a qualified repair person where the rosin will be chemically removed. I no longer will sell or give formulas for violin cleaner because cleaners that actually work can often cause problems in inexperienced hands. If your instrument looks dull or covered with fingerprints you may use a commercial violin polish; however, be aware that these products contain wax and many of them do not dry thoroughly. Always apply sparingly and remove as much polish as possible with a soft cotton cloth. If the finish prints easily, then there is still too much polish on the surface.
  5. Hold your instrument by the neck only. If you have a fine instrument the acids and oils in your perspiration can quickly wear away the varnish. Touch the top as little as possible. If you use a shoulder rest (most players use one today) be sure to attach it and remove it safely, placing the body of the violin against your torso and holding the neck in your left hand. Attach the rest with your right hand. That way no one can knock the violin out of your hand in the typical frenzy of a rehearsal. If the shoulder rest has latex covered feet, replace the latex when it becomes cracked and dry.
  6. Be sure to keep your bridge straight. The best bridge will warp if it is not maintained. Your teacher or repair person will show you how to do this.
  7. If your pegs stick during high humidity and you cannot move them do not force them or attack them with pliers! You could crack or break off the peg box. Take the instrument to your repair person, as he or she knows how to loosen them safely. Use lava soap or commercial peg dope to lubricate sticky pegs.
  8. Always loosen your bow hair when you are finished playing. Be aware that humidity has an effect on the length of the hair. Sometimes during the dry season you will not be able to loosen the hair all the way. If it is a little too tight do not worry, but if the hair is tight enough to play, take it to a repair person and have the bow rehaired. When not actually playing always hold your bow at the frog with the tip pointing up; do not use it as a pointer, a cane, or a sword; and certainly do not bang it on a music stand to applaud a soloist! Also, do not over rosin. If you had enough rosin on your bow yesterday when you finished practicing, there is no reason to a