Andrews Violins

read moreAvailable from 100 (UK next day), the Acoustic Enhancer is a low-voltage vibrator with an interchangeable base for use on violin, viola, cello, double bass to improve the response of new or rested instruments in a week or so. Not near Harrogate? Why not post your violin or bow for repair? It will usually cost around 10 and you will recover that on my repair charges - much lower than in the south. I've repaired a cello for a professional. It came in at 10.30pm on Saturday after a gig and was in his hands again 10 hours later when he left Harrogate on the train.

read moreStart by breaking the grip of the peg. Rotate the peg to release the string tension slightly, then slowly increase the tension until the string matches the pitch of the sound from the computer. Always push the peg gently into its hole. Don't let all the strings down together as there's a chance the sound post inside the violin may fall down. You'll know if it does because it will rattle. If that happens, don't tune the strings up again until the sound post has been re-fitted. If you bring the pitch up almost to the note you can fine tune using the appropriate adjuster on the tailpiece.

read moreThese hints won't teach you to play your violin, viola or 'cello any better, but it will help in looking after it. I hope too that it may save you worry if something goes wrong. CLEANING A dry, clean duster is all that's needed usually. Used after each playing, it will stop resin building up on the front of the instrument. Dust the stick of the bow as well, but don't touch the hair. On instruments that have not been cleaned for some time you can use one of the special liquid cleaners, such as Hidersol.