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Bench Press - News from the Bench!
Tips and Info for Students & their Parents


Here are our blog entries including tips for measuring students, caring for instruments, when to stop renting, and other topics which students may find useful.

 


A sketch of the words, the growing presence of knock off strings.

Here we discuss the rise of imitation strings on the market and how to avoid purchasing them. 

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Posted on 25 MAY 2021


How to Measure a Student for an Instrument

An out-stretched arm with a yardstick above for measurement.How to measure your student for an instrument from home.

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Posted on: 22 AUGUST 2020


 

To Rent or Return: The Big Summer Decision 

A bridge over water on a sunny day with clouds in the sky. With concert and recital season upon us, many customers are deciding whether or not to continue their rental.
We go over the benefits of continuing your rental through the summer.
 

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Posted on: 17 APRIL 2018
 

Our (small) Case Against Finger Tapes

A violin neck with three tapes on the fingerboard.Finger tapes can be a wonderful way for players to learn note locations on the fingerboard, but they can also cause some issues. Here we discuss the mechanics of those problems and a simple solution. 

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Posted on: 31 JAN 2020


 

How to Start a New Rosin

Four rosins; one is new, one is lightly scuffed, one is scratched, & one is carved into.

Sandpaper, house keys, paper clips, kitchen knives...We've heard of a number of different ways 
customers start their new rosin. Here we discuss the best method to start a new rosin.

Read More Posted on: 1 MARCH 2022 

Humidity and Your Instrument

One activated Precipitube humidifer and one unactivated humidifier.

 Slipping Pegs. Open Seams. CRACKS! Low Bridges. Angry Wolf Tones. 
 We go over common humidity issues and how to keep your instrument and bow happy and humid.

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Posted on: 30 JULY 2016 

What's the Buzz?!

A bee buzzing with little eighth notes floating behind it.
Have you discovered a buzz on your instrument? Here are some common causes of buzzes and tips for easy fixes at home. 

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Posted on: 10 MAR 2021


Answers to Common Bow Hair Questions 

A blue heart made of small hanks of horsehair. We find a lot of customers have questions about the hair on their bows. 
Here we answer some of the more common questions customers have about their bow hair.  

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Posted on: 23 MAY 2019