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Wet Weather Care For String Instruments
High humidity can wreak havoc on string instruments, however there are simple things you can do to keep your instrument safe & dry.
If you're living in NSW or QLD at the moment, chances are you've experienced some crazy wet weather. Unfortunately It's going to take weeks for everything to dry out, and in the meantime we are likely to experience humidity levels of up to 100%.
This is a huge concern for string instruments, as moisture in the air affects the water soluble glue holding them together. During this type of weather, it is not uncommon for seams to open up and necks to become dislodged.
Being of wooden construction, they naturally soak up moisture in the air, which makes them sound 'soggy' and less resonant. The expansion in the wood also causes the pegs to jam up, making them very difficult to move.
On top of this there is also risk of mould growth, which is almost always impossible to remove from the inside of an instrument.
Our thoughts are with those affected by the floods, and if your instrument has been damaged by the recent wet weather, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We are offering free repair assessments for water damaged instruments, and are here to help in any way we can.
Please email images of your instrument to enquiries@violins.com.au or book an in-store workshop appointment.
3 Things You Can Do To Protect Your Instrument From Moisture Damage
1. Put a dehumidifier inside the case
String instruments perform their best at a humidity level of around 50-60%.
If humidity is higher than this, we recommend using the M.U.D. dehumidifier, especially if you have an older instrument.
To keep track of humidity, it is a good idea to keep a hygrometer inside your case as well. D'addario has one called the Humiditrak, which comes with an iPhone app. There is also a hygrometer built into the Intelli IMT-801 5-in-one Metro-Tuner.
2. Take your instrument out of storage
Cupboards and areas with low air flow (like under the bed), create the perfect environment for mould growth, and mould is almost impossible to remove and can have negative affects on your health.
Ensure there is plenty of air flow around your case, especially if you do not have a dehumidifier.
3. Protect your case with a rain cover
Most cases are water resistant, not water proof. Ensure your cases is well protected with a rain cover or umbrella when you're out an about in wet weather.
When you get home, remove the rain cover from the case and hang it out somewhere to dry, away from the instrument and case.
We recommend Artino Rain Covers, which are available for violin, viola and cello cases.