Music is connected to the soul and is linked with emotions. A musician can create music based on what s/he feels at the moment. This is why there are a lot of music lovers around the world because they know they can relate to some, if not most, of the songs and melodies out there. Music can be your nostalgic ride or perhaps a symbol of your hope for the future. With music, a grieving or broken heart may start healing and a frown may turn into a smile.
However, the beauty of music does not talk about its simplicity and for a musician, maintaining his instrument in proper shape can be a tedious job. Right from maintaining the instrument to repairing it when needed is the responsibility of the instrument owner.
Musical instruments are prone towards damages all the time and you can't change that fact. What you can do is to at least try to prevent those damages from ever happening. You can take extra care of those instruments that are more fragile than others. Pay special attention to those who get frequent cracks, dents or broken strings easily. Consider hiring an expert repairman to help you out with the maintaining and repairing of whatever instruments you have. That person can also assist you in tuning your musical instruments.
The best repairman is one who has the professional training in the same, can play the said musical instrument, is flexible enough to come to your residence in times of need and is an honest, disciplined and dependable guy.
If you want your musical instruments to last longer, you know you should be ready to dish out cash for repair services. However, you can prevent such expenses if you can take excellent care of your instruments and maintain their good condition in the first place. You should also do your part and that is by learning basic maintenance tips for that musical instrument you have.
If you are a violin player, you should take care of your fragile and expensive instrument by storing it in a safe and sturdy case when not in use and keeping it away from any extreme temperature. The most common damages in this case are snapped bridge and bow, broken tailpiece or even unglued fingerboards. Invest in good strings to minimize tension resulting in cracking and warping and also remember to apply rosin on the bow moderately.
If you do not using Rosin the violin bow may simply slide off the strings without producing any sound. Hence, rosin needs to be used for better grip but make sure you use the harder and less sticky rosin if you live in a warm climate and the dark rosin if you live in a colder one.
Be careful when putting rosin on your bow. Too much of it can be messy and tends to drip down your clothes and stain your violin. Whatever problems that may arise with your violin, whether minor or major, don't hesitate to consult with an expert luthier.
Aside from the violin, another string instrument commonly used is none other than the guitar. You should play it as often as possible. That's one of the basic tips to maintain its good condition apart from taking good care of its strings, keeping it in tune, storing it in a safe and sturdy case and having a regular check-up (at least once a year) with a professional.
Do you want to know the proper time to replace the strings on your guitar? If you use the guitar and it seems that the strings are already dull or that they look like they are ready to split, then that's the time.
Guitar tuning is another task for musicians or owners of the said musical instrument. You can make use of tuning forks as well as electric tuners. Perhaps you can try those online tuners that some individuals are using. Just like violins, keep your guitars away from high temperature or else, they will get damaged.
Let's leave string instruments and take a look at the woodwind types starting with flutes. When it comes to storage and the regular process of checking up the flute, the principle is quite similar to what we have discussed with guitars and violins earlier. On the other hand, when it comes to usage, you should make sure that your hands are clean before using the flute.
Cleaning after playing minimizes pad detoriation and holding the flute parts together on the edge instead of at the keys during assembly in a good practice. Do not adjust the flute settings if you are not an expert on this and avoid using any kind of lubrication in the form of metal polish or oil.
When it comes to brass instruments, you have to clean them from the inside. What you should do to accomplish that task is to run a warm bath using washing liquid on the inner part of those musical instruments. Using the same washing liquid, soak those instruments in it for at least 10 minutes. Rinse off when you're done. For rotor instruments, you might need to consult a professional repairman.
While you clean your brass instruments make sure it is completely dry after the bath before you reassemble the same. It's a good idea to use the long wired cleaning brush known as the 'snake' for cleaning out all the tubes and you can also get especial brushes for cleaning the valves and the mouthpiece from any good music shop near your locality.
Do you know how to lubricate a trumpet? Just detach the valve by lifting it halfway and then apply the oil in the wider valve area. After that, push the said valve back into its place. A soft click will be the indication that it's back in its position.
Those valve bottom caps of trumpets need some lubrication too. Do it as well. In the case of trombones, slide cream and slide grease are being used.
Maintenance of instruments having water keys involves using the extended time of playing to blow through and remove the excess moisture in the process. Always wipe your hands with a clean cloth in order to wipe the oil and perspiration off it.
Some common accidents are caused by pressurizing parts of musical instruments after cleaning and during reassembly. You have to be careful doing that. What you can do is follow this particular guide. That way, you can really take good care of your instruments, making them last for quite a long time. Also, take note that you should consult with an expert repairman even if it's just some minor problems to avoid making them grow to even bigger issues later on.
Griffbrett Gitarre
Keine Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen