I got an old violin from my aunt a couple days ago (it's been in her attic or wherever for about 10 years) and it's kind of dirty & has that nasty "old" smell. I *think* it's mildew, but I'm not sure. Anyway, I'm completely new to violins and don't know what to clean it with. I didn't want to just slop water over it all in case that would damage it somehow. How could I get the mildew-ish stuff off and polish it up? It's a pretty nice violin, I think it's a schtoeffer (not sure of spelling) but it's some kind of german made one, anyway.(can't exactly read the name, it's slopped down on a piece of paper.. *sigh*) Anyway, does anyone have any ideas of what to use? Thanks!

Stop. Don't do anything yet. The instrument has been that way for years. It can wait a little longer. Best choice is to take it to an experienced wiolin shop. Let them clean it and evaluate it for you. It is critical to the sound of the instrument that the post be properly set and that is not something that you should try. You don't have the tools or the experience. However, if you insist on "cleaning" it up, then buy a small bottle of cleaner from the music store made for string instruments. Do not ignore the bow. Getting it rehaired is not very costly and a good bow can be expensive. Have fun with your new treasure.

I took it in to a shop on friday, he's replacing the strings & bow, and I'll get some polish specifically for violins when I go to pick it up. I'm getting a teacher sooner or later, but I'm searching around for one at the moment. Thanks, and don't think you've seen the last of me, lol. I'm clueless and will probably be bothering yall for a while.