Keller Strings visits Loyola University!

Today Paula and John visited University students enrolled in Dr. Montes’ String Methods class. Students in the class are music education majors, and all of them play various instruments from brass to woodwinds. So, Paula and John instructed them on basic string instrument upkeep!

Here’s their cheat sheet for all you educators out there:

Checklist for buzzing:

  • Cracks and open seams
  • Bad string
  • String adjusters
  • Contact areas for chinrest and tailpiece
  • Fingerboard hump(s)/low string height
  • Fingerboard loose toward neck bottom
  • Loose cleats or material inside
  • Wide bridge grooves
  • Wide Nut grooves
  • Material stuck at F-hole tips
  • Cello & Bass – loose endpin collar/cracking

Emergency Supply Kit

  • Peg drops – use for slipping (or stuck)
  • Peg compound – use for sticking
  • Tailpiece fasteners (nylon)
  • Violin polish (white)
  • Chinrest key
  • Sheet of thin cork (for chinrests)
  • Liquid Hide Glue (for cork)

Make sure to always consult a professional, like the folks here at Keller Strings, when available. Learn more about the staff here.