The following outline on the basics of string instrument maintenance reflects the topics addressed during a shop visit:

• I. Bridge
• Selection
• Placement
• Correct angle with strings
• Fit of feet
• String height
• Maintaining correct angle
• Tone and playability
• II. Strings
• Cleaning
• Pinching to correct bridge
• III. Cleaning Instrument
• Wiping
• Polishes
• IV. Post material
• Usual
• Best
• V. Peg Dope
• Mortite
• Usual
• VI. Chin Rests
• Change sound
• Must not be too loose or tight
• Must be custom fit with chalk
• VII. Shoulder Pads
• Kill sound
• Best is none
• Next best is foam or sponge
• Clamping types mute or change sound
• VIII. Openings
• Common
• Loss of sound
• IX. Buzzes
• “Ain’t bees!”
• Many possible sources – some you can fix: loose adjusters, loose collars or pins, ball ends of strings
• X. Bow Mating
• Importance of finding a bow that helps your instrument sound its best
• Many bows kill sound on great instruments
• XI. Importance of a good case
• such as a suspension case for maintaining adjustment against bangs
• XII. Temperature!
• Trunks/cars
• Heat and cold