CARE & MAINTENANCE OF YOUR CELLO

Keep your cello safe and happy! Follow these preventative maintenance tips to ensure that your cello performs as it should.
While it's typically a good idea to avoid using 'absolutes,' such as never and always, it's best to create and ingrain good habits from the beginning to take care of your cello and to avoid unfortunate (and costly) accidents which could easily be avoided; such as, placing your bow on your chair, leaving to grab a snack and then returning later and mindlessly sitting on the chair - right on top of your bow! Or, leaving your cello on the floor with an open case, and later a family member (grabbing a late night snack), accidentally stepping into the case and onto the cello! Oops! 

Unpacking & Packing Your Cello From A Soft Case 

• Always take the bow out of the case first to prevent your bow from being pummeled in the process. 
• Always put the bow in the case last for the same reason.

Storing Your Cello

• NEVER LEAVE YOUR CELLO WHERE IT CAN BE SAT ON, STEPPED ON OR KNOCKED TO THE FLOOR.
• Never leave your cello laying across the coach. 
• Never place your cello flat on its backside on the floor. Placing it on its side is the correct way to place the cello on the floor, preferably against a wall or in the corner of a room, and only for short periods at a time. Pack it in its case if you are stepping out of the room or if you are done practicing for more than a few minutes.
• Never lean your cello up against a chair, table, wall, etc. It may seem stable, but if it falls over you will likely cause it serious damage.
• Always retract the endpin once you've finished playing or are taking a break away from the cello. Otherwise, someone can easily trip over the endpin. 
• Always keep your cello away from heat (radiators, gas or electric fires etc.) and out of the cold. 
• Never leave your cello in a hot or cold car for a long period of time (eg. overnight).
  
• Never leave your cello in an unattended car.  Most insurance companies do not cover theft or damage to an instrument in an unattended car. Simply take the cello with you. Yes it is big and bulky, but that is something you will just have to get used to!

Cleaning Your Cello

• Do not use polish or detergents, simply wipe with a soft cloth or duster after each practice. It's best to have two clothes, one to wipe off the strings and the other to wipe off the cello so the varnish is not damaged, which can occur after years of wiping the area with rosin caked clothes.
• Always dust off your strings and body of your cello after playing. The sweat, skin oil and rosin dust will collect and, over time, turn into a sticky residue that can impact your cello's appearance and performance. 
  

Bow care

• NEVER LEAVE YOUR BOW WHERE IT CAN BE SAT ON, STEPPED ON OR KNOCKED TO THE FLOOR. 
• Do not over-tighten your bow hair.  There should still be a slight curvature in the stick after tightening your bow. If the stick is completely straight, than the bow is too tight. 
• Avoid touching the hair, as the natural oils from your hand will affect how the bow performs.
• Remember to rosin your bow regularly. 
• Loosen the hair once you are done playing, as the bow can lose some of its camber if you do not.
• If a single hair breaks, it is best to use scissors or nail clippers to cut it from the bow. Pulling the hair (especially in the wrong direction) will loosen the knots that hold the hair in the tip and frog, which may cause more hair to come loose.

Repairs

• Never attempt to do any "Do It Yourself" repairs. Leave it to the experts and take it to a violin shop or luthier. 
• Open seams due to changes in humidity are a part of owning or renting a cello. When this occurs bring it to your luthier to close the seam(s). Open seams may cause a decrease in sound, or create a buzzing or rattling sound, and over time if left open, may cause the wood to warp or crack. 
• Despite best efforts, cracks sometimes develop and/or the top or back pull away from the ribs. Bring your instrument to your luthier for repair as soon as possible. Neglecting cracks and openings can lead to far more serious problems and more costly repairs.

Students and parents, if you think there is something wrong with your cello, bring it to Clayton's attention. He can help to diagnose whether your cello needs a luthier's immediate attention. As always, if you have any questions concerning cello maintenance or the health of your cello please let him know. 

A helpful guide on how to care for your cello: Aitchison's Cello Care Guide.