The String Doctor

Cases

2010-10-16T19:35:00.000-07:00

I frequently receive questions about what is important to look for when choosing a case for an instrument. Let me begin with a simple statement: The choice of a case for your instrument is second in importance only to the choice of your instrument! I cannot begin to describe the number of repairs that come into my workshop where the damage was caused by a bad case.

There are a number of factors to consider. The right case will fit the instrument well, provide adequate protection from damage and the environment, have ample storage for accessories (such as bows, extra strings, rosin, shoulder rests and music), be easy to maintain and with little effort should last for years. This may all seem obvious, but in fact, the number of case choices out there that miss one or more of these important functions far outnumber those that meet all of the above requirements.

Most violin and viola cases come in one of 4 varieties: Shaped (those that mirror the shape of the instrument) or oblong, thermoplastic (molded plastic with a cloth lining) or frame (usually but not always fabric covered). Frame cases can be further divided into wood frame (the best) or foam frame (the lightest).

Thermoplastic cases provide the greatest protection from outside damage, but rarely include adequate storage space for accessories. By contrast, foam frame cases (usually the least expensive) provide little in the way of actual protection.

Because most violinists and violists must also carry a shoulder rest, rosin extra strings, a mute, and a variety of other "loose" accessories, shaped cases are usually the wrong choice, unless all of these accessories will be carried in a separate bag (such as a briefcase or tote bag). Thus, the best choice by far is the oblong, wood frame, fabric covered case. A good case of this type will have segregated storage for all of these items, a tube for spare strings, and at least two bow spinners. Average cost: $200 or less.

Proper fit is also essential. If the instrument fits too loosely, damage can result from the movement of the instrument in transport. Too tight a fit will stress the structure of the instrument, and could result in cracking or open seams. While most cases are made in standardized dimensions, not every violin or viola is the same size. Thus, like choosing a comfortable pair of shoes, be sure to take accurate measurements before settling on your case choice.

Basses and cellos have limited options...for cellos, bags are most common, but hard cases are also available...for basses, bags are the most practical, given the sheer size of the instrument, though there are a few hard case choices made for basses that will travel. In both situations, a quality bag made of Cordura nylon will be more than adequate, provided it has internal padding of at least 10mm (some bags come with as much as 20mm of padding, and though more is always better, some of these can be quite heavy to carry and difficult to manage). A good quality cello bag will cost under $100...Bass bags can run double that. Hard shell cell cases can cost as much as $400-$500, and those for basses can run as much as $800 to $1000.

Whatever you decide, remember that the cost of the instrument you choose is a serious investment, and the case you purchase to protect it deserves at least as much consideration. A good choice could last you a lifetime, thus, the expense of that choice, when considered over the life of its use will no doubt be minimal.

Of course, help with this important decision is always available at Market Square Strings. With hours by appointment, Market Square Strings is a full service Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass repair shop. To make an appointment to come in, call me at 203-841-6084, or e-mail me at stringmd@snet.net.

Steve Fredericksen

Sticking/Slipping Pegs

2010-10-16T19:33:00.000-07:00

Summer is a difficult season for violin pegs, due to heat and humidity. With all of the recent rain, added to seasonally high humidity levels, pegs will tend to stick, due to natural swelling of the wood. Winter tends to have the opposite effect - pegs will tend to slip due to lower relative humidity.

The first thing to remember if you are plagued with this common problem is do not force stuck pegs! Doing so can cause serious damage to the pegbox, or to the peg itself.

Should you find your pegs difficult to move, start by giving them a gentle tap at the small end while supporting the pegbox with your thumb. Most often, this will release the peg sufficiently to move or remove it. Next, remove the peg completely and clean it with a very fine (0000) steel wool or a small piece of very fine grit (200 or higher) sandpaper. Finally, replace the peg making sure to wrap the string correctly. Conversely, if your pegs are slipping, cleaning them in the same manner should help solve the problem. Once cleaned, set the peg by pushing in gently while turning.

Remember that this procedure is only meant for pegs that are properly fitted, and are simply stuck. It will not correct the problem of an improperly fitted peg!

Of course, if you are at all nervous about this do-it-yourself "quick fix", or if your pegs require more extensive fitting, don't hesitate to contact me at Market Square Strings. Summer is a great time to have your instrument "tuned-up" and adjusted, and doing so often will save hundreds of dollars in repairs down the road.

With hours by appointment, Market Square Strings is a full service Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass repair shop. To make an appointment to come in, call me at 203-841-6084, or e-mail me at stringmd@snet.net.

Steve Fredericksen

Giving the gift of MUSIC!

2010-10-15T15:13:00.000-07:00

Over this past summer, I have met a number of new teachers as my business has expanded to include more school string programs. Part of the process when I go into a new school usually involves assessing stringed instrument inventories that have been neglected for some time. Often times, the result is a pile of instruments to be fixed, and a second pile to be "recycled". The recycle pile is usually instruments that the teacher, or I feel are beyond repair at a reasonable cost. In every case, I offer a credit of a fair amount for these "scrappers" off the initial repair bill, which softens the blow a little for the school, and provides me with the parts I need to complete future major repairs at a low cost. It has always been "Win-Win"!

Every so often, when things slow down in my workshop, I will take out a couple of the less damaged scrap instruments and do the work they need to become playable - it helps to occupy my time when things are slow, and keeps my skills sharp! When that happens, I set these often not too pretty, but fully functional instruments aside, to offer to students who otherwise would not have an affordable instrument available to them, for various reasons.

This week, I had the great fortune to run into just such a player - someone who desperately wanted to play, but for whom the cost of an instrument was prohibitive. When someone from the orchestra she plays in approached me about the situation, essentially looking to purchase an instrument for her, I listened to the story, and was happy to be able to say "I have just the instrument"!

The result was that I was able to provide an instrument free of charge out of those I had reconditioned from the summer. Once again, as has happened many times before, that small gesture returned to me far more than it was worth, in the smile and tears of joy from another promising musician! Though I am certainly in business to make a living, I have always felt strongly that a child's musical potential needs to be nurtured, regardless of cost, and that the gift of music from every musician who I can encourage in some small way is worth more than all the money I can earn. It happened again, and I could not me happier!!