Maintenance of String Instruments

After playing Erhu...
- Move the bridge to the top of the soundbox or support the strings with a short pencil at the top of the soundbox. This can reduce the pressure on the snakeskin and prevent the snakeskin from collapsing.
- Place the instrument back in its case or bag after using to prevent damage due to humidity.
- If you see signs of the snakeskin on the soundbox softening, place the instrument in an area with good air circulation on a good weather day to regain the tautness of the snakeskin. Do not place in direct sunlight.

Slipping of Erhu Pegs...
- If you find that the pegs have a tendency to slip, rub a little rosin power on the contact point between the peg and the neck. Else, used violin peg compound.

Unwanted noise...
- Move the cloth that is placed between the strings and snakeskin towards or away from the bridge to reduce noise.

Placement of Erhu...
- The head of Erhu is usually curved and made up of 2 parts glued together. Place the Erhu carefully as the head breaks easily upon impact.

Changing of Strings...
- Change one string at a time to prevent the nylon strings (Qianjin) from messing up.

Maintenance of Erhu...
- Maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of the soundbox by wiping away the rosin powder.
- Do not use water or oil to clean the snakeskin. Do not use hard objects to scrape the dirt off the snakeskin.

Repair of Erhu...
- In case of broken heads, use white glue to attach the parts together and stabilise with sticky tape. After the glue dries, use sand paper to sand the connecting parts and apply a layer of varnish.