Maintaining
your
instrument

As a player of an instrument from our collection, you have a duty of care. We expect you to do everything necessary to prevent damage, theft, or wear and tear to your instrument under all circumstances. You are liable for any damage resulting from failure to comply with this duty of care. We would like to give you our tips and rules for taking good care of your instrument.

Annual maintenance check and revaluation

An important aspect of the duty of care is the annual maintenance check and revaluation. By having your instrument, bow and/or accessories checked annually by an expert, they remain in good condition and are optimally tuned to your needs. It also prevents the instrument from suffering unnoticed damage due to wear and tear or external influences. For all-risk insurance coverage, it is also necessary that all our instruments are valued annually by an expert.

more about the maintenance check

Relative humidity

Your instrument is highly sensitive to changes in temperature and relative humidity. Excessive fluctuations can cause irreparable damage.
Keep the relative humidity between 45% and 60%. Anything outside this range poses a risk. Make sure you have a digital hygrometer at home and check it daily!
As soon as the relative humidity drops below 50%, you must immediately take measures to prevent it from falling further.
Especially in winter, when the heating is turned on again, there is a significant difference between the temperature outside and inside. The humidity in your home can drop considerably. Make sure that it does not fall below 45% under any circumstances. Otherwise, there is a considerable risk of cracks forming.
In most cases, placing a humidifier in the room where your instrument is kept will suffice. This situation is more common in winter than in summer, but always remain alert.
At high relative humidity levels, 60% or higher, other measures are required. In that case, please contact your expert or us to discuss the options.

Give your instrument a safe place

Give your instrument a safe and comfortable place at home and when travelling. Not too hot, not too cold, not too dry, not too humid. The instrument should not be exposed to direct sunlight or the heat of a heating element or radiator. Do not leave it in an unheated room in winter.

Do you have underfloor heating? Make sure you have good insulation to prevent the heat from radiating to the instrument. You can do this by using insulating foil, which you can cover with a rug, for example.

Going on tour or travelling? Never leave your instrument unattended in the studio, dressing room, on stage, in the car or bus. Find a safe place for it, preferably in its own case. And in any case, make sure that no one can bump into it or knock it over. Never leave it against a chair, on the sofa or on the floor. Lock the room where you leave your instrument. Never lose sight of your instrument. Not on public transport, and not during breaks in rehearsals or concerts.

Clean your instrument daily

Outside of its case, your instrument will collect dust. And while playing, rosin will get on and in your instrument. The rosin bonds with the dust and varnish, making it difficult to remove the dirt without damaging the varnish.
To remove dust and rosin, clean your instrument daily, preferably immediately after playing, with a soft, clean cloth, such as flannel. Wash the cloth regularly.
Do not use a microfibre cloth! The fibres can get caught behind fine damage or splinters. Before you know it, the damage will get worse.
Use a second cloth for the parts that come into frequent contact with rosin. This will prevent you from transferring the collected rosin to other parts of the instrument.
Never use cleaning products yourself and don't use polish! Always leave the thorough cleaning and polishing of your instrument to an expert. Only they have access to and knowledge of products that are specifically suitable for your instrument. If you have any questions about cleaning your instrument, call your regular expert.

Beware of contact damage

Perspiration is acidic and attracts dust. Protect your instrument where it comes into contact with your body. Hold your instrument by the neck as much as possible. This will prevent your hands from touching the varnish.

Watches and jewellery? Be careful and make sure they do not damage your instrument. This also applies to clothing with zips, buttons or other hard or sharp parts that could come into contact with your instrument.

Do you use a shoulder rest? Check carefully that it does not cause any scratches. Replace the rubber feet in good time when they show signs of wear.

a good quality case

A fine instrument deserves a high-quality case. It is well worth the investment. A good case protects your instrument when you are travelling, whether on foot, by bicycle, public transport, car or aeroplane.

Make it a habit to store your instrument in its case at home as well. Accidents can happen. This also keeps your instrument dust-free. And your instrument is better protected against the sun, temperature changes and relative humidity.

Double basses usually have a cover and no case. For these instruments, an excellent cover is absolutely essential. Their size makes them particularly vulnerable during transport.

Maintenance and repair costs

All repairs and work resulting from daily use of the instrument are at the expense of the player.

Other repairs are usually paid for by The Netherlands Musical Instrument Foundation.

The costs for completing the maintenance report and the annual revaluation of your instrument are paid for by he Netherlands Musical Instrument Foundation. The expert can send the invoice to us.