Taking care of your musical instrument is important

As band season starts here is the Wiregrass area, Latta Music would like to remind you that proper care of your instrument will lead to a better experience for music playing.  Call us at 334.793.6011 to find out more.

Be Sure To Look After Your Musical Instrument
Having a passion for music and your instrument should ensure that you look after it properly but you may need further encouragement to look after your instrument properly. The better condition your instrument is in, the better it will sound. Also, if you fail to look after your instrument properly, it may cause damage to the instrument, which could cost you money in repairs or a replacement instrument.

Given the current cost of living and the state of the economy, spending money when you shouldn’t have to doesn’t make any sense. This is why looking after your instrument to get the best from it can really help you to have fun without spending a lot of cash.

It is a fact of life that musical instruments will wear out but proper cleaning and attention can stave off this process. Regular cleaning and handling it carefully will help to keep your instrument in better condition. It is possible to have your instrument repaired or even serviced by professionals to ensure they look and sound great but caring for your instrument will minimise how often you need these additional services.

Modern instruments will not last forever, which may be annoying when you consider how much money has been spent on them but that is part and parcel of life these days. The lifespan of an instrument can be extended with care and attention but if your child has an instrument, you should expect it to suffer some bumps and scrapes.

Common sense is important for looking after your musical instrument.When looking after your instrument, common sense is always a good guideline but the following rules will help you to take better care of your instrument:
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• Do not eat food just before you play your instrument. It is all too easy for crumbs to fall onto or into your instrument.
• Be sure to wash and dry your hands before playing. If you play a wind or brass instrument, you will want to clean your mouth and lips too. Rinsing your mouth out regularly is also a good idea and you may even want to clean your teeth before playing.
• Try to keep your instrument at a constant room temperature. Exposing your instrument to extreme cold or hot temperatures can cause difficulties. This may come in the glues becoming soft, wood warping or even some parts falling off your instrument.
• You should make sure not to expose your instrument to high levels of humidity, a steamy bathroom being a good example.
• Make sure you find a proper storage space for your instrument. If you leave your instrument lying around in the lounge, on a chair or on a bed, there is a likelihood that at some point, someone will
• Carrying a soft cloth to wipe down your instrument after playing can help to keep it in great condition too. Also when cleaning your instrument, make sure that you void using polishes of an abrasive nature.
  
  

Always keep a cloth handy
A cloth is an extremely important tool to use when cleaning your instrument, especially after playing. If you have a wind or brass instrument, there is a need to wipe down all condensation that may have built up when you were playing. You should find that a silk cloth provides the most absorbency and can clean even the tiniest of gaps. However, any cloth is better than no cloth at all and with a hankie, you can at least put it in your washing to ensure it is clean to use the next time after your play.

Carrying out simple maintenance and cleaning work on your instrument regularly will bring about a lot of benefits. It will ensure your instrument sounds good and it will help to ensure that the instrument remains in great condition. However, every so often, it can be of benefit to have your instrument cleaned or serviced professionally. Also, if you experience any difficulties and you have little experience, make sure that it is professionally taken care of.

Dealing with professional instrument repairers can also help you to find out more about the best ways to look after your instrument. If you need any further advice for your instrument, ask the professional what products they use or what techniques they have for cleaning. Learning from the professionals will ensure that you can give your instrument the professional touch even at home.
Cleaning your own instrument doesn’t have to be a difficult or time consuming process but taking care of it regularly will help you to get a better sound and much more life from your vehicle.
 
Credit:  Kate Gurl