Electric violins were introduced to the public in the 1930s ad 1940s. They are similar to the acoustic violin, except many are made with solid bodies, rather than being hollow, and the sound depends on amplification. An electric violin makes only a small sound when played without an amplifier. Best electric violins reviewed by Themusicalstrings will give you a good idea of what type to consider if you are interested in purchasing an electric violin.
Are Electric Violins Easy to Maintain?
When you decide to purchase an electric violin, you will need to do a little research to find the best one. However, regardless of the one you choose, there are certain parts that are very important to the violin, whether it is an electric or acoustic type. Maintaining them is crucial to ensuring your violin is in the best condition for playing and will last for many years.
* Headstock
* Tuning pegs
* Fine tuners
* Neck
* Fingerboard
* Bridge
Each of these parts affects the way the violin plays. Knowing how to keep each one in the best condition possible will protect the violin and your investment. Electric violins are not as expensive as the acoustic type, but a good quality one can cost thousands of dollars, so it is essential to keep them in the best shape possible.
Basic Maintenance
The cleaning cloths you use are important. You should use either a microfiber cloth or flannel. Both are soft and will not scratch the wood. Some violin stores sell cloths that are specifically made for this purpose.
One of the most important things you can do after each playing session is to wash your hands. Naturally, there will be rosin on them. Your hands may sweat while you playing. To keep from transferring either to different parts of the violin, you will want to make sure this does not happen.
Removing Excess Rosin
Clean the rosin off the strings and the rest of the violin as well. If you do not, it can cause the violin to become sticky. Cleaning each string is best because a buildup of rosin can affect the sound. If there is a buildup that is difficult to remove, a couple of drops of alcohol on a cloth should remove it. Just be careful not to get the alcohol on any other part of the violin.
Cleaning includes the bow. After you have used it for a few days, it will need to be cleaned to remove any built-up rosin. It can be cleaned with a soft cloth the same as the strings and the rest of the violin. Make sure the cloth is dry and do not use any type of cleaner as it can strip the varnish from the wood. A wood polish made specifically for violins is often recommended.
Temperature and Storage
The temperature of your home or wherever you keep your electric violin is important. If you live in an area that is really dry or the temperatures vary greatly, it can damage the wood. Many cases have built-in humidifiers for this purpose. They will prevent the wood from drying out.
The case should always be used for storing your violin when it is not in use. When you leave it on a table or elsewhere, there is a risk of it being knocked off, something spilled on it or even stepped on if it ends up on the floor. When you put it in the case make sure it is put away in a safe place because it can still be damaged if the case is knocked over or gets wet. The case should be face-up.
Many electric violins have a bridge set up similar to acoustic violins. This needs to be cleaned carefully to remove any rosin that may have collected here. Some electric violins use batteries, so you should make certain they are in good shape and replace them periodically to prevent leakage of the battery acid.
Don’t Forget to Clean the Case
One of the things that many people forget about cleaning is the case for their violin. Since this is where it will be kept when it is not being used, it is important that the case be as clean as possible. The case should have everything removed from it at least once a week if the violin is used often. Vacuum out any dirt, dust, debris, and rosin. Vacuuming will prevent dust mites that will eat the bow hair.
If you begin to notice damage that you are not sure how to handle, it is always best to take your electric violin to a professional. Sometimes, trying to repair something yourself can actually cause more damage.
Keeping your electric violin in the best shape possible is important to the tone as well as the value. You enjoy playing. You may just do it for yourself, or you might perform for an audience. Either way, taking care of your violin will help it to give you many years of pleasure
