By Andrew White
We all know that keeping in great shape is important in so many areas, our physical health, our homes, our vehicles, our belongings, and definitely our musical instruments! Whatever instruments you play, it's not only important to know how to play the instrument but also how to maintain it. Let's take a look at a few ways we can best care for our instruments.
1. Speak with your teacher about a great care plan for your musical instrument.
There's no better expert on how to keep your musical instrument in tip top shape than your teacher. They'll be able to give you insight into not only your instrument, but the type of instrument you are working with. If you have a grand piano, it will need different care than an upright or a spinet. All pianos could do with some regular love and attention whether it be dusting, wiping the keys down with a disinfectant wipe, or cleaning out the spiderwebs! Guitars need some regular re-stringing, brass instruments need some oiling, woodwind instruments might need a new reed installed. Ask your teacher what you can do on a regular basis to keep your instrument in the shape of its life.
2. The big jobs require some more time and effort.
While caring for a piano, for example, requires less work on a weekly basis, it requires an excellent tuning every year at least, and a good cleaning every two to three years. We often think a lack of practice means we don't need to get the piano tuned, but how wrong we are! Pianos need regular tuning regardless of the use, because let's face it, temperature changes, humidity changes and moving the piano from one room to another all happens regardless of practice, and that is what puts stress on the piano strings. So today, if your piano hasn't been tuned for more than a year, send us an email right away to schedule your tuning with me, Andrew. Other instruments require rare work done to keep them in great shape, perhaps the dent in your trombone slide is hindering it's movement, take it to any quality instrument repair shop and get it back to top shape before you forget what it felt like to slide it easily.
3. Getting your instrument ready to sell!
Instruments are a bit like cars, when it comes to selling them, perhaps to upgrade, you want to make sure they are in the best shape possible. Ask your teacher what you can do to help prepare your instrument for upgrade. And of course, all of our teachers are available to help you find the next best instrument for your home. We are passionate about finding one that suits all your needs and requirements for a great price.
Whatever you are looking to do with your instrument, make sure it is in great shape. Consult your AWSOM teacher on the best way to care for your instrument so that it will treat you well for the thousands of hours it will produce great sound in years to come.
Any questions on caring for your instrument? Email your teacher: yourteachersfirstname@awsom.info