Frequently Asked Questions

If I take my instrument on a plane, what preparation does it require?

Violins/Violas: Take your violin or viola onboard and stow it in an overhead compartment. Aircraft cabins do have lower humidity in flight than normal good conditions but the risks are not high. Minimize humidity-related risks by moistening your case/instrument humidifier prior to the your flight. Your instrument requires no further adjustment to ensure its safe transport. Some airlines are refusing to accept violin cases as hand luggage due to their length. However, such refusals are rare at this point.

Cellos/Basses: Cellos are difficult and/or costly to take onboard so most cellists are obliged to check their instruments in the cargo hold. Use a heavy duty fibreglass or carbon fibre case if at all possible. Removing the bridge, strings and tailpiece and lowering the soundpost is the safest option for long trips (especially those involving connecting flights). This may not be possible if you do not have a violin maker/repairer available to help you reassemble the setup. If you do not remove the above parts be sure you fill the area around the bridge and under the tailpiece with foam to prevent moving during transport.

Should I have my instrument's soundpost adjusted?

While moving the soundpost can affect the sound quality and volume your instrument produces, other aspects of stringed instrument construction also contribute to the overall sound. Wood grade, strings, varnish, quality of workmanship and the thicknesses of the instrument's sides, table and back are among the many factors that affect an instrument's tone. If you are not satisfied with the sound your instrument is producing or suspect your soundpost is poorly fitted or incorrectly positioned, we can move, adjust or replace the post if necessary to achieve the best sound possible. We can also consider all other factors that may be causing disatisfaction. Please book an appointment for this service.

How can I get more information on stringed instrument care and maintenance?

The books, Commonsense Instrument Care by James McKean and The Violin Owner's Manual (from Backstage Books) are useful and informative resources for any string player or ask us!