Here are a few tips are all that is needed to ensure that your instrument stays in the best condition for playing.

If you have a new instrument, it needs to be played in, as do strings, so that the violin can settle down and the player can become accustomed to its tone. If you continue to experience difficulties such as slipping pegs or buzzes when playing, that’s the time to have the set up checked by a luthier at your local music shop.

Older instruments often have an ‘aged’ appearance. Scratches and dulling of the varnish are part of the character of an instrument and so one should not seek to preserve a new violin’s ‘just-out-of the-shop’ look.

The body of your violin or cello should be polished with a soft cloth to avoid too much dust and rosin build-up. It’s a good idea to keep one in your case to get in the habit of using it.

Do not use furniture polish etc, unless you want your instrument to become so slippery it jumps out of your hands! Instead use only specialist violin polishes.

Strings are a matter of personal choice, but whatever type you choose, it is important to avoid rosin build-up on the strings, as this can cause scratchy bowing and is not good for the life of the string.

The rosin can be wiped off with a soft cloth or the strings cleaned occasionally with a recommended string cleaner.

How old are your strings are they still flexible and in their prime? If you have had the same strings for a couple of years, they could be responsible for the dull tone of your instrument.

Covered strings will wear with use, leading to uneven intonation, so maybe it’s time for a new set, if your violin doesn’t sound as good as it used to. Ensure that the bridge is maintained in the correct position, fully upright with its feet in full contact with the body of the instrument (no gaps). Take particular care of the bridge position when changing the strings remove and replace them one by one.

Don’t forget your bow if not in good condition, it can drastically affect playing. Make sure that the bow is always loosened off when not in use, to preserve its flexibility and longevity. Do not leave it near a radiator or direct heat.

When carrying the bow, or holding it without playing, it should always be held frog end down, tip uppermost, to avoid damage if dropped. If a bow is dropped on its fragile tip, the damage may not be apparent until later, causing the complaint, "it just fell to pieces", when it is next used.

The bowhair should be in good condition; if too many hairs have broken, it may need rehairing.. Any rosin build-up on the bow stick should be gently wiped off with a soft cloth.

Changes in temperature are the great enemy of stringed instruments as the wood is susceptible to cracks. Always keep your instrument in a room with a constant temperature and don’t leave it to bake or freeze in the boot of the car. One solution is to use a humidifier, which can be kept in the instrument case to give a degree of protection against humidity dropping to dangerous levels.