Cello Repair

Cello Care and Maintenance Tips

1. Always keep your instrument in its case when not in use.
2. Avoid rapid temperature changes. If you bring your cello from a cold area into a warm area leave it in its case, to change temperature slowly, because cracking of the finish or wood can occur. A good rule-of-thumb is not to leave your cello any place that you would not like to be. So don't leave it in extreme hot or cold environments.
3. After you are finished playing remove any rosin and hand oils from the instrument with a soft cloth. Don't let rosin buildup on your cello. Remove it after each time you play. It is very difficult to remove if left on your instrument for any length of time.
4. Keep an eye on the bridge. As you tune the instrument the strings tend to pull the top of the bridge toward the fingerboard. If the bridge tips too much it will fall over. This can break the bridge or even crack the top. If the bridge falls the sound post inside the cello may also fall over. The back side of the bridge (side toward the tailpiece) should be at a right angle to the top and the feet on the bridge should touch the top uniformly. If your bridge tilts take your cello to a shop and have them show you how to straighten it. It’s not hard to do but unless it is done correctly you could break it.
5. Be sure that the pegs turn freely with minimum pressure toward the peg box. Over time the pegs will go out of round and start to slip. If this happens they will need to be refitted for proper operation. During dry conditions they may shrink, causing slipping. In humid conditions they may swell causing them to stick. Never force a peg into the peg box if it slips and if it is stuck don't force it either. You could break the peg or the peg box under these conditions. Take your instrument to a repair shop and have them correct the problem.

Bow Care and Maintenance Tips

1. Be careful not to bang the head or drop the bow as this can break the head.
2. Keep the bow away from extreme heat. This can warp the bow.
3. Always loosen the hair when you are not using the bow. Over time this can warp the bow and stretch the hair.
4. Keep the bow stick clean by wiping off excess rosin and any perspiration after each use.

Maintenance and Repair Plan

Your musical instrument is an investment worth protecting!

A well maintained instrument encourages beginners to practice more and allows experienced players to achieve the freedom and artistry they desire!

With the purchase of a musical instrument you have made a valuable investment you will want to protect. Our Comprehensive Maintenance Agreement offers you the opportunity to maintain your instrument in the most cost effective way possible. Over the years Ward-Brodt technicians have identified the maintenance and repairs most often required and with our plan all of these standard procedures are completely covered under one annual fee.

Instruments must be examined and approved by our technicians prior to coverage. New or used instruments purchased from Ward-Brodt are automatically eligible within seven days of purchase. Please note that Ward-Brodt reserves the right to refuse coverage on any instrument.