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This section offers advice that will help keep your instrument and bow in good playing condition. It is generally unwise to attempt to adjust or repair an instrument or bow yourself. Periodically take the instrument and bow to an experienced repair person for a check-up. She/he can quickly look over your instrument or bow; a small repair or minor adjustment early on can often prevent costly major repairs and overhauls down the road. GENERAL CARE Keep the instrument and bow clean and in good repair. A little preventive maintenance goes a long way. An annual or bi-annual check-up is well-advised. Protect the instrument and bow from prolonged sun, or sudden changes in temperature or humidity. Care should also be taken to keep them away from heaters, radiators, and air conditioning vents. Never leave any instrument or bow in a car for any length of time. Let an instrument or bow have some time to adjust to changes in temperature or humidity before the case is opened. The more extreme the temperature or humidity difference, the longer the time that should be allowed for the instrument and bow to adjust to the change. Avoid leaving instruments or bows unattended, on a chair, or hanging from a stand. Never horseplay with or around an instrument or bow. Don't use alcohol or hot water to clean either instrument or bow, as these liquids can easily dissolve the varnish and/or cause damage to the wood. Always remove the shoulder rest or pad from violins or violas before putting them back into the case. Don't cram music, folders, or other personal items in the case with the instrument, as they may damage the instrument. Fit small items into the accessory compartments provided. INSTRUMENT CARE Handle violins or violas by the neck and chinrest to minimize varnish wear. Using a cloth or pad between the instrument and the player will also help protect the varnish from perspiration. Violinists and violists who perspire profusely can drape a small cloth or pad over the chinrest; cellists and bassists typically use a cloth, or a bib fastened around the neck of the instrument, and draped between the back of the instrument and player's sternum. Be aware of jacket or shirt buttons, dangling earrings, bracelets, watches and jewelry; they are often the cause of scratches, dings and dents. Always wipe the body, fingerboard, and strings clean after playing, to remove rosin dust and dirt. Pay particular attention to wiping hand moisture off strings and fingerboard, and removing rosin dust from underneath the strings. A 100% cotton cloth picks up dirt most effectively. However, whatever the material, make sure to launder the cloth frequently. Placing a small blanket or cloth over the top of the instrument will help protect it, especially if it doesn't fit snugly in the case. Continue