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11/6/07

All Recorders, by Size/Price

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Used Instruments, 11/6/07

Upcoming Workshop Venues

Lazar's Early Music

Wendy's Viols

Lu-Mi Chinese Viols

Models

6 string bass, Richard Meares,
1660 (3 sizes)

7 string bass, Nicolas Bertrand,
1704 (3 sizes)

Tenor, Henry Jaye (2 sizes)

Treble, Henry Jaye,
1620 (2 sizes)

Pardessus, 6-string in g

Violone in A/Bass in D (all gut)

Violone in G, Busch

Details and prices below

Pirastro Strings

Instrument Stands

BIG SOUND!

(small price)

Wendy's Viols (Lu-Mi Strings) are offered in North America exclusively by Bill Lazar of Lazar's Early Music. Commissioned by Finnish gambist Markku Luolajan-Mikkola, these instruments are hand-made in Beijing, China by master Wang Zhi Ming, who learned violin-making from his father, who studied classic German methods.

These viols are made from very high quality wood using methods faithful to the authentic early string light construction techniques, giving them a good timbre and a beautiful appearance. The ribs, backs, and necks are made of figured sycamore, the tops and soundpost plate of spruce, and the pegs of ebony. The fingerboards are made in four parts, spruce in the middle, thin plates of sycamore on both sides and a thin ebony or bird eye maple veneer on top, and tailpieces of sycamore with ebony or birds-eye maple veneer. Intricate purfling adorns the tops and backs. All wood is fully kiln-dried for stability in extreme climates.

The smaller viols are modeled after instruments by Jaye and Meares; the 7-string bass (similar to the one shown above) is after Bertrand. While these are not exact copies of historical instruments (for instance, the belly is not bent), these are real instruments--an excellent value--beautifully built with a sweet, bright sound. You may find less expensive viols, but not with this degree of resonance and craftsmanship. Wendy has played concerts worldwide on these instruments.

And now it may be a lot harder to find cheaper, high quality viols. Master Wang now offers several new bass models, and a less expensive line of viols to complement these superlative instruments. The less expensive instruments are made with the same care; the differences are as follows:

Feature	Decorated viols (1,2,3,4,5,6)	Plain viols (1,2,3,4)
Wood	Highest quality, finest grain aged woods	Plainer, aged woods, although tonally almost as responsive
Varnish	Thick and glossy	Simpler, matte finish
Fingerboard/tailpiece	Ebony veneer (1,2), ebony veneer w/burled maple veneer border (1,2), or burled maple veneer (1,2)	Solid plain maple (1,2)
Purfling	Ornate with decoration, top and back	Single line, top and back
Pegs	Ebony	Rosewood

A carved dragon head on the peg box.

Decorated 6-string bass with carved pegbox and 'rose'

Carved pegbox (1,2,3,4,5)

A lovely specimen -- a 6-string bass viol after Barak Norman with carved pegbox (1,2,3,4,5), belly decoration, and ornate purfling on the back.

Decorated instruments in stock will have various combinations of belly decoration, ornate purfling, fingerboard/tailpiece woods and wood figure.

All instruments are sold with a 14-day, full-money-back guarantee from the date you receive it if you're not satisfied for ANY reason.

All sizes are available now; I often have them all in stock. For the latest information, contact Bill Lazar at jblazar@aol.com.

November, 2007

(For orders outside North America, contact Markku Luolajan-Mikkola.)

Prices now include fitted hard case (except where noted)

Unfortunately, increasing costs and the plunging dollar have necessitated price increases.

Size/Model	String length, mm	Body length, mm	Bouts Upper/middle/lower, mm	Picture	Price with case*
Size/Model	String length, mm	Body length, mm	Bouts Upper/middle/lower, mm	Picture	Decorated	Plain
6-string pardessus de viol in g, w/soft case	310-315	320	155/113/195		$2450
Treble viol in style of Henry Jaye	366	362	173/120/211	Treble	$2700	$2150
Large Treble viol after John Hoskins '1609	400	384	190/156/211.5		$2850	$2300
Tenor viol in style of Henry Jaye	560	535	250/177/308	1,2	$3300	$2675
Larger tenor viol in style of Jaye	577.5	553	258/183/315		$3450	$2825
6-string bass viol after Barak Norman '1692	658	633	279/204/332		$3800 pictures	$3375
6-string bass viol after Richard Meares	693	664	304/220/365	Bass (6-string)	$3800 (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9)	$3375 (1,2,3,4)
6-string consort bass viol after Bertrand-Meares, in soft case. Ideal for Jenkins and Lawes 6-part music.**	745	715	340/236/413	1,2	$3630
7-string bass viol after Nicolas Bertrand '1701	680 or 700	693	323/233/394	1,2,3,4	$4050	$3450
7-string bass viol after Bertrand, larger model '1720, in soft case	725	715	340/246/413		$3950
Violone in A could be used also as all gut bass viol in D., in soft case	800	783	365/263/433		$4100
Violone in G after Busch, 890 mm string length, soft case	890				$7750
Carved pegbox and scroll (1,2,3,4,5) for any decorated viol					$475
Carved dragon head & pegbox for any decorated viol					$650
Figured snakewood bows from Master Wang's shop for all sizes of viols					$450
See more bows on my bow page
Padded soft case 1,2,3,4 treble/tenor/bass/7-stringbass					$100/$125/$150/$175
Fiberglass cases bought without a viol (limited supply) tr/ten/bass/7-str					$365/$405/$460/$485

* Prices include hard case; shipping extra

** Works emphasizing the low register, and works with fast passage work in the low register, do well on larger basses like the 74.5 cm string length consort bass. Fretwork has used such large viols for years for such repertoire.

Viols are available with a soft case, or no case at a reduced price.

We also have Chinese Baroque cellos, violas and violins.

About Lu-Mi Strings

by Markku Luolajan-Mikkola

As a teacher of viol at Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, and when conducting workshops and master classes elsewhere in Europe and in the U.S., I have noticed too often that students don't have a proper viol. And some who would like to play don't have a viol at all. Ten thousand dollars or more for a custom-made viol is often too much for a beginner, and the viols that have been for sale for $2000 or $3000 have been of too low quality. Many who are preparing to be professional musicians and would like to play viol as a second instrument often develop their skills so rapidly that they will need a better viol after some months. The waiting lists of the best makers was too long, sometimes eight to ten years.

I have always been interested in instrument making, and I have asked numerous makers to build cellos, baroque cellos and all kinds of models of viols for me and my students and friends. I had noticed that Chinese modern makers and workshops produce really good-quality modern cellos and violins, and I began searching for a workshop that could produce viols and other baroque stringed instruments.

I found luthier Wang Zhi Ming in Beijing. He is also an excellent violinist and use to play in one of the Beijing Symphony Orchestras His father learned violin-making after the best German tradition, but naturally he had to stop working during the Cultural Revolution. He began again in the late 80s, but he has now retired. Wang and his father have trained and employed more than 10 makers in a workshop. German tradition misunderstood or didn't care about some Italian traditions of violin making such as cross arching of the belly and back. Wang has visited Cremona a couple of times to to update his skills.

I gave Mr. Wang all the information I could about viol making: I sent numerous drawings and more than 100 emails. Later, as the viols began to take shape, I spent time in Beijing to help solve some problems. This process is still going on. I have visited Beijing to check new models which have been built, and to plan with Wang how to make some more new models. We also discuss almost weekly details on how to make Lu-Mi instruments even better.

We don't make exact copies of old models, but all our instruments are certainly real viols. The 6-string viols are made after the English makers Jaye, Meares and others, but, for example, the belly is not bent. The 7-string bass is made after Bertrand. The Chinese makers use a drying room before the parts are glued together, so all of their viols should endure humidity going down to 30 percent.

I have been very pleased with the results. In fact, these viols don't feel and look at all like "student" viols. I have even given a couple of concerts with one of their 6-string basses. But I must say my Jane Julier 7-string bass is more than worth the price, as well as my old 17th Century 6-string bass viol.

The bows are made in another workshop by Mr. Zang. I have never met him and Wang helped me to communicate with him to get 4-5 different models of baroque bows. I sent some of my own bows as samples, but Lu-Mi bows are not exact copies of them. My bows are fluted but the Chinese refuse to make fluting after trying it for some bows. I personally think snakewood is better when it is not bent at all or has very little bend, whereas pernambuco needs some bend to make the bow firm enough. The first set of Lu-Mi bows were bent but nowadays they are not bent at all. I bought the first 150 kg of snakewood in half logs for Zang but now he has his own stock of it. I bought my snakewood from Germany but it grows only in South America (I think).

Wang is also making violin family baroque instruments. At the moment there are several models available and more to come: Violins after Amati, Guarnerius or Stradivarius; four sizes of violas, corpus 387-444 mm by Gasparo da Salo and Stradivarius; cellos after Montagnana, and a large cello which could be tuned in B flat.

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Charlie Ogle's Chinese Violas da Gamba

Models

6 string bass, Richard Meares

6 string bass, Barak Norman

6 string bass, Collichon

7 string bass, Bertrand

Tenor, Barak Norman

Treble, Barak Norman

Pardessus, Guersan

Violone, 89 or 95 cm string length,
G or D tuning

Details and prices below

Pirastro Strings

Instrument Stands

Ordering

Warranty

Charlie Ogle's

Chinese

Violas da Gamba

I offer these viols and bows made in China by highly skilled instrument makers under the direction of Charlie Ogle, using high quality materials. The soundboards are hand carved spruce, the backs and sides are figured maple.

These are good instruments, at great prices. They are well designed, well made, and properly set up by Charlie Ogle. Both students and advanced players will find them suitable for all uses.

Charlie Ogle's Chinese viols are sold with a two-week return policy. If you do not like an instrument you may return it (in its original condition) for a full refund, for any reason, within two weeks of receiving it.

All instruments come with a padded soft case, with external compartments for a bow and music: Pictures: 1,2,3,4

Bass viol complete package. Richard Meares model bass viol (69 cm string length) with case, snakewood bow, Korg CA-30 tuner. Everything you need! $2225

Size	Pictures	Model	Measurements (mm)				Price
			String	Body	Upper Bout	Lower Bout
Pardessus		Guersan, 5 string					$1225
Treble	1,2,3,4	Barak Norman	360				$1000
Alto		for A tuning	480				$1650
Tenor	1,2,3,4	Barak Norman	520				$1475
Bass, 6-string	1,2,3,4	Richard Meares	690				$1700
		w/ebony fingerboard, tailpiece					$1800
		w/decorative purfling, ebony fingerboard, tailpiece					$2350
Bass, 6-string	1,2,3,4	Barak Norman	650				$1750
		w/ebony fingerboard, tailpiece	650				$1850
	1	w/decorative purfling, ebony fingerboard, tailpiece					$2350
Bass, 6 string	1	Bertrand	710				$1800
Bass, 6 string	1	Festooned John Rose model (available soon)	730				$3200
Bass, 7 string	1	Bertrand	710	675	318	388	$2100
Violone	1(D),2,3(G)	G or D	910 or 950	890	480		$3950

We also have Chinese Baroque cellos and violins. Top of Page

Soft Cases

Size	Pictures	Price

Treble		$100
Tenor		$125
Bass, 6-string	1,2,3,4	$150
Bass, 7-string		$175

Charlie Ogle's

Chinese Viola da Gamba Bows

bow frog
bow tip

Bass viol bow, Snakewood, 73 cm long, approximately 85 grams, $425

Tenor viol bow, Snakewood, 71 cm long, approximately 65 grams, $425

Treble viol bow, Snakewood, $425 (in stock)

Please ask for additional information.

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Ordering

All instruments are sold on approval. If you don't like the instrument for ANY reason, you may return it in new condition for a full refund within two weeks, less shipping costs.

Although I try to keep instruments in stock, I don't always have all models. Instruments not in stock can be ordered. The customer will be notified of any delays.

Violones are currently only available by order. Unless one happens to be in stock, expect a 3-4 month wait for the instrument.

Warranty

The instrument is warranted against any defects in material or workmanship for a period of one year. Adjustments to setup are covered for the same period. The customer is responsible for shipping costs for any adjustments after the first 90 days.

Louis Bégin Viol Bows

Louis Bégin, a Canadian bowmaker, has been making bows since 1987, with customers in many countries of the Americas and Europe, as well as in Asia. His models are very personal, basically inspired by early bows, but his models also include many creations that we could call original bows. His bows are highly regarded in the viola da gamba community.

Louis Bégin studied Viola da Gamba for 6 years at the Brussels Royal Conservatory of Music in the class of Mr. Wieland Kuijken. He was awarded First Prizes in both the interpretation of the Viola da Gamba and Baroque Chamber Music. He took advantage of those years to meet with many well known musicians and develop his concept of the baroque bow.

After many years of performing in concert both as a soloist and in baroque chamber music, and teaching in Canadian colleges and universities, he turned to baroque and modern bow making. He studied with many American masters and French bowmakers. With the help of a Canada Council grant, he visited European museums to study and measure bows, making several plans and designs and meeting specialists of Baroque interpretation. His professional viol playing ability allows him to fine tune his bows for optimal performance.

Long Marais Bass Viol bow, unfigured snakewood, 79 cm, 75-80 gms, $1500

Pictures	Model	Stick	Decorative Options	Wt.	Price in CAD
	Treble viol	round	Snakewood or ebony sticks available	52 gms	$1300
		fluted			$1400
			Banya		$1500
	Tenor viol	round	snakewood or ironwood available	60 gms	$1300
		fluted			$1400
	Bass viol	fluted	Short Kuijken model, snakewood, ivory button	~78 gms	$1600
	Bass viol	round	Long Marais model, snakewood, snakewood button	~78 gms	$1500
	Double bass	round	French or German models, snakewood, snakewood frog & button	~105 gms	$1500
	Violone	round	Snakewood stick, frog & button	~95 gms	$1500
			Mammoth ivory button		+ $50
			Mammoth ivory frog		+$100
			Ebony frogs

The varnishing on these bows is not too modern and not too Chinese, in the Baroque style. The average weight is from 78 to 82 g which works best with this unfigured snakewood.

The tension on the hair: The average distance from hair to stick in the middle of the bow (ideally, middle of the playing hair) is a minimum of 2 cm to 2.5 cm (3/4" to 1"), more or less depending on the feeling, but not less than 2 cm (3/4"). These bows are made to support a high tension and can bow outward a lot without damage, the limit being the vibrations of the stick. If the tension is adjusted within these hair-to-stick distances, you should find a tension that allows the bow to play stably without vibrations.

Chris English Viol 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.

Pictures	Model	Decorative Options	Price
	Blackwood	Mastodon Ivory, Ebony Frog	$150
	Ironwood	Mastodon Ivory, Ebony Frog	$1500
	Figured Snakewood	Mastodon Ivory, Ebony Frog	$1500
1, 2	Highly Figured Snakewood	Mastodon Ivory, Ebony Frog	$1500

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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Forqueray	This is the very first viola da gamba to appear on a painting in history. The painting was made around 1475-85 for the Hermitage of St. Feliu (St. Félix) in Xàtiva (Valencia, Spain). From Jose Vasquez

Instrument Stands Top of Page
K&M 17580-000-54	Picture	Gamba/Cello/Guitar Stand--Heli	A very unique instrument stand designed especially for acoustic guitars. Works very well for viols, cellos, etc. 5-way width adjustment. Compact folding design makes it easy to transport and store. Exclusive non-marring material to protect instrument finishes is molded onto stand during the manufacturing process. Available in 4 colors.	Blue	$25.00
K&M 17580-000-54	Picture	Gamba/Cello/Guitar Stand--Heli	Wt: 1.0 kg, H: 340 mm.; fits body depth of about 5"	Blue	$25.00
K&M 17580-000-55	Picture	Gamba/Cello/Guitar Stand--Heli	Same as above	Black	$25.00
K&M 17580-000-59	Picture	Gamba/Cello/Guitar Stand--Heli	Same as above	Red	$25.00
K&M 17580-000-60	Picture	Gamba/Cello/Guitar Stand--Heli	Same as above	Green	$25.00
K&M 17951	Picture	Gamba/Cello/Guitar Stand--Wave10	Easy-to-use stand with an exceptionally light construction. The use of high quality corrugated plastic material ensures a very stable stand that is genuinely lightweight. The special mechanism allows a setup and folding with one flick of the hand. The support arms are lined with a soft plastic material to protect the instrument finish. The stand can be adjusted to fit various instrument sizes. 5.3"/135 mm depth; 1 lbs. 4 oz.	Black	$20.00
Peak ST-10	Picture	6- or 7-string bass gamba stand	Very stable a-frame style guitar stand that folds up easily into a compact form. Adjustable arms allow you to size the stand to fit almost any instrument, with a little extra depth (~5-3/8"/136 mm) to fit some 7-string viols. 1 lbs.	Black	$25.00

Pirastro Strings

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Catalog Number	String	Description	Price

Pirastro PARDESSUS (HIGH-TREBLE) Strings
267020	SET		$128.24
Pirastro TREBLE-GAMBA Strings
1531	D1	GUT	$16.15
1532	A2	GUT	$17.33
1533	E3	GUT	$20.22
2534	C4	GUT/ALU	$32.95
2535	G5	GUT/SIL-PLATED	$33.85
2536	D6	GUT/SIL-PLATED	$35.49
253020	SET of 6		$155.99
2543	E3	GUT/ALU	$
2544	C4	GUT/COP-ALU	$
2545	G5	GUT/SILVER	$
2548	G5	GUT/COPPER	$
2546	D6	GUT/SILVER	$
2549	D6	GUT/COPPER	$
Pirastro TENOR-GAMBA Strings
1551	G1	GUT	$23.69
1552	D2	GUT	$25.94
1553	A3	GUT	$29.53
2554	F4	GUT/ALU	$42.63
2555	C5	GUT/SIL-PLATED	$38.79
2556	G6	GUT/SIL-PLATED	$45.68
255020	SET of 6		$206.26
2563	A3	GUT/ALU	$
2564	F4	GUT/COP-ALU	$
2565	C5	GUT/SILVER	$
2568	C5	GUT/COPPER	$
2566	G6	GUT/SILVER	$
2569	G6	GUT/COPPER	$
Pirastro BASS-GAMBA Strings
1571	D1	GUT	$25.58
1572	A2	GUT	$29.53
1573	E3	GUT	$36.39
2574	C4	GUT/ALU	$49.48
2575	G5	GUT/SIL-PLATED	$51.00
2576	D6	GUT/SIL-PLATED	$52.79
2577	A7	GUT/SIL-PLATED	$66.92
257020	SET of 6		$244.77
	SET of 7		$311.69
4581	D1	ARICORE ALU	$
4582	A2	ARICORE ALU	$
2583	E3	GUT/ALU	$
1574	C4	GUT	$
2584	C4	GUT/COP-ALU	$
2585	G5	GUT/SILVER	$
2578	G5	GUT/COPPER	$
2586	D6	GUT/SILVER	$
2579	D6	GUT/COPPER	$
2587	A7	GUT/SILVER	$
2589	A7	GUT/COPPER	$
Pirastro VIOLONE/D-BASS GAMBA Strings
259020	SET		$

Pirastro VIOLA D'AMORE Strings
1511	D1	GUT
1512	A2	GUT
1513	FIS3	GUT
2514	D4	GUT/ALU
2515	A5	GUT/SIL-PLATED
2516	D6	GUT/SIL-PLATED
2517	A7	GUT/SIL-PLATED
251020	SET
2525	A5	GUT/SILVER
2526	D6	GUT/SILVER
2527	A7	GUT/SILVER
350000	SET	RESONANCE

These vielles (medieval fiddle or, fidel), were designed in conjunction with experienced early musicians, to suit the needs of modern performers of period music. Both have the modern violin string length of 13", both are set up with baroque violin string sets (gut e, a, d, metal-wound gut G) plus a metal-wound low C. Many other tunings are possible with this stringing as well. Some are also set up with all gut strings, for a more authentic vielle sound. The vielles are made in the Pacific Northwest, using as much native wood as possible (fine spruce from Alaska, Washington and Oregon; flamed maple from near the Canadian border; Alaskan yellow cedar; and poplar. Mahogany and a limited supply of Hawaiian koa are available for the truly non-traditional. Oiled finish.

The larger (15.5" body length) model vielle: a carved top with a center-mounted bass bar and a flat back. The vielle can be used with or without a soundpost. The sound without the post is more bass-y, and somewhat hollow, but still carries quite well. The sound is quick and bright, with more "edge" using the soundpost.

The smaller model vielle has a 14" body (the same as the modern violin) with the same rib height (3 cm) as a violin. It has a carved, fully arched and purfled top and a bit thicker back than the simpler, larger model. The bass bar, designed to carry a soundpost, is mounted to the side. In short, this smaller vielle is designed to give the modern violin player an easy double in period performance.

Another small violin-sized (14") instrument with a larger rib height (4.8 cm) and a stronger, clear sound is now available. It can be fretted and played da gamba as a viol, or da bracchia (the thickness makes it about the same as a violin with a chin rest). Tuned CFadg, but can be used with other tunings.

Tuned CGDAE (or DADAD w/same strings; or ADDAD with D instead of G string; or as top 5 strings of a treble viol: GCEAD, using Pirastro Obligato Violin G and C; Pirastro treble viol E, A and D) from bottom to top. Alternatively, all gut Gamut strings are also available.

A new size tenor vielle is now available with a 18.75 " body, ~19.5" string length.

Pictures	Model	Decorative Options	Price
1,2,3,4	Violin size	14" body, flat back and carved soundboard, oiled finish (~13" string length)	$1000
1,2,3,4	Viola size	15.75" body, flat back and carved soundboard, oiled finish (~14.4" string length)	$1125
	Tenor	18.75" flat back and carved soundboard, oiled finish (~19.5" string length)	$1250
		Purfling	$100

Rebec, after Cantigas de Santa Maria	3 strings, c'-g'-d'' or d'-a'-e''	Pictures: 1,2,3	$950

Tuner		Description	Price
Korg CA-30		Chromatic pocket-sized auto tuner Adjustable calibration range (410-480 Hz) Built-in reference tone (12 notes/A4, Bb4 switchable.) Auto power off and memory backup LCD needle meter w/manual and auto modes Input receptacle for pickup (not included) Batteries included!	$20
Korg OT-120	Tune string and wind instruments in a flash with the OT-120, a new tuner that combines the accuracy of needle-type meters with superior functionality, wide tuning range and a new, sleek vertical design.		$120
Korg OT-120		Features: Chromatic tuner with a wide 8-octave detection range that supports band and orchestra instruments Dual display provides both a needle-type meter and an LCD for excellent visibility Sound Back (Patented: Patent pending) mode plays a reference pitch for the note that's closest to the input pitch. The meter indicates the discrepancy between the input and the correct pitch Multiple Temperaments: supports historical tunings Transpose mode is convenient for wind instruments Choose from 3 levels of needle response speed (slow, medium and fast) Both auto and manual tuning modes are provided Built-in reference tone plays in a 5-octave range Broad range of calibration (349 Hz--499 Hz) Built-in mic supports acoustic instruments Use with an optional clip-on pickup for accurate tuning in noisy environments Energy-saving design for long battery life (approximately 100 hours) Durable soft case and batteries (2-AAA) included More information	$120
Korg TM-40		Korg TM40 Chromatic Tuner and Metronome Both tuner and metronome functions operate simultaneously or independently. More information	$36

Instrument Care

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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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 add any today. Have your bow rehaired at least once a year.
If you have a problem with your instrument, take it to a competent repair person. Be advised that the vast majority of music stores do not have a qualified repair person even though they advertise repairs. Before you entrust your instrument to anyone, be sure to inquire about his or her qualifications. Be sure to examine your instrument frequently for any problems—warped bridge, open seams, cracks, etc. Small problems do not become big ones unless they are neglected

Instructions for using humidifiers: Dampits and Humitrons

The indoor relative humidity in Central New York often falls far below safe levels for string instruments during the winter months (Nov. to April) The use of a tubular humidifier greatly reduces the detrimental effects of dryness (open seams, cracks, low string height, etc.).
Start with cold water. Place the humidifier in the stream and squeeze water through the holes into the sponge inside. Remove it from the stream and squeeze out the excess water. Dry off the outside. Water should not drip from the humidifier—it should feel like a piece of limp spaghetti. Over-filled Humitrons and Dampits can cause major water damage inside your instrument. Provided instructions seldom warn against this problem.
Place the humidifier in the lower left f-hole. Be careful of the point on the f-hole when removing the humidifier. The instrument must be in its case for the humidifier to function.
The humidifier should be filled every day, since you are not putting that much water in it in the first place.
If tap water has a high mineral content you will need to replace the humidifier once a year. Use of distilled water will greatly increase its life.

From The Violin Shop of Santa Fe

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CONTACT 292 Gibraltar Dr., Ste. 108 Sunnyvale, CA 94089 (Map) (Detail) (866) 511-2981 toll free in US (Pacific Time Zone) 00 1 (408) 734-4920 local/foreign/Skype Lazars.Early.Music@gmail.com www.LazarsEarly Music.com OPEN BY APPOINTMENT-Call--I'm here most of the time, 6-7 days a week To order, email, phone or write me your request. I don't give out customer contact information to other companies.

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