How to Care for a Viola

The viola is the alto instrument of the string family. Its range falls between the high of the violin and the low of the cello. Proper care will keep it from cracking and allow it to last many years. Follow these steps to care for a viola.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Keep your viola away from extremes in temperature. Too much humidity can cause the wood to swell and expand, while too much heat can cause it to dry out and crack.
2. Lubricate the tuning pegs with some dry soap if they become stuck. If they are too loose, place some chalkboard chalk on the shiny areas. If they still can't stay in place, you may have to replace them.
3. Change your strings one at a time. This change will keep proper tension on the bridge and keep the soundpost, located inside the viola, from collapsing.
4. Loosen the bow after you're finished playing. Wipe off rosin residue left on the strings with a rag.
5. Check the fine tuners occasionally to make sure they're not too tight. If they are too tight, loosen them and retune the viola with the pegs. A fine tuner that is too tight can cause a string to break.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a Dampit inside the case of your viola to maintain proper humidity during the wintertime.
• Consult a professional for repairs and cleaning care.
• Apply rosin lightly to the bow only when necessary, not every time you play.
• Never leave your viola in an enclosed car. The extreme heat can cause the glue or varnish to melt.
• Don't tap the tip of your bow on anything. It's delicate and is expensive to repair.