The violin is a delicate instrument that requires careful maintenance to keep performing at its best. But what about the bow? While often overlooked, the bow is just as important and needs proper maintenance too. However many people know how to clean their violins but do not have the knowledge regarding cleaning viola or violin bows. Here are some tips on how to properly care for your violin bow.
Clean Your Bow Regularly
Cleaning your delicate viola bows regularly will help maintain its appearance and prolong its lifespan. Wipe down the stick with a soft cloth after each use, being sure to remove any rosin build-up from both sides of the hair.
Once a week or so, you can give your entire bow (including frog and screw) a gentle cleaning with rubbing alcohol or denatured alcohol on a cotton swab. Be sure not to apply too much pressure – you don’t want any part of the frog or screw to come loose!
Proper Storage and Transportation
When not in use, always store your violin horizontally in its case or on an instrument stand designed specifically for it.
If you must transport your violin outside of its case (such as when traveling between rehearsals), be sure that it is secured within an appropriate carrier, such as a hard-shell case or padded gig bag. Additionally, carry it by holding onto the neck rather than grabbing hold of any other part- including the tip of the end pin-or dangling it by strings attached on either side.
Aside from cases designed specifically for violins and bows, bumpy roads during transportation can cause damage over time if they’re jostling around unprotected parts like buttons at one end while clanking against music sheets kept inside them!
Never Touch The Hair On The Bow
Don’t touch my hair! That’s right – never touch me!!! beyond joking: actually, “don’t touch” refers only here, particularly towards “hair” -taking this phrase broadly throughout life could lead anywhere else (*giggles)
It may seem tempting, but avoid touching the hair on your bow at all costs. The natural oils present in our hands can cause the hair to deteriorate and become weak over time.
Instead, use a clean cloth or paper towel to remove any excess rosin dust from the hair after playing. You may also use an approved bow cleaner, such as Hill’s Elixir, to keep your bow free of rosin residue and extend its lifespan.
Regular Maintenance And Bow Rehairing
Just like with other musical instruments, regular maintenance can help maintain the proper functionality -and harmony- of violin bows. Further, it is recommended that you take up professional assistance here whenever required as this requires experts’ attention- they’ll be able to inspect bridges (passage out end), adjust camber/slight arch, and replace tips if needed!
In most cases, re-hairing should occur every 6 months for intense players. However, casual ones are expected for a 1-3 year period, depending upon how often they play. Watch out not going to extremes by letting enough time pass- A completely damaged horsehair could compromise the sound quality produced by a well-tuned violin.
Be careful while using new hairs because dampness or sudden weather/temperature changes can revert even freshly installed strings back into twisted hair masses, compromising their elasticity and, therefore, having negative effects on tone production.
Additionally, be sure that your bow hairs are given ample opportunity to dry before storing them away for prolonged periods, allowing air circulation between each strand. If you opt for the good brand-quality materials mentioned above, then less wool running across the entity means longer life expectancy.
Avoid Direct Sunlight On Your Bow
The UV rays from direct sunlight contain high levels of radiation, which is harmful to both humans & organic/inorganic objects –such as our poor little precious bows too! Continual exposure over long periods will cause color fading and irreversible damage, eventually leading towards brittleness, making wood lose its intrinsic strength while slowing down its pace substantially through the years, leaving behind its owners with nothing but memories.
Conclusion
Caring for your violin bow is an essential aspect of maintaining the sound quality and longevity of the instrument. Be sure to clean your bow regularly and store it appropriately. Avoid direct sunlight exposure, and never touch its hair with hands – a strict no-no. Follow proper maintenance procedures as outlined above. By following these tips, you can ensure that your bow remains in top condition and provides many years of beautiful music-making!
