Spring has sprung and the weather is warming! So we thought, what better time to refresh our readers’ memories on instrument care throughout the hot and humid summer months! From protecting your instruments from temperature and humidity changes, to advice on the best way to travel with your instrument, caring for your instrument has never been so easy! These tips are all you’ll need to make sure your instrument weathers the summer months in great shape to jump back into the practice-rehearsal-performance cycle once classes start up again in the fall.

6 Tips for Caring for Your Instrument

A New Instrument Case

Are you using an old, hand-me-down case, or maybe something you found at a yard-sale? Instruments can get expensive, so saving money where you can is important, but it’s also important to keep in mind that – after your own care – your instrument’s case is its greatest protection from the elements and general harm.

One of the best things you can do for your instrument this summer, no matter what it is, is to get rid of that old, shoddy case, and replace it with one in better shape. Used-but-still-high-quality cases are still easy to find at both your local music store, and online.

The newer your case is, the more likely it will provide better protection with lighter materials, and a better-designed interior. New cases usually even have a bit of room for all the little extras – like humidification accessories.

Guard Against Humidity

Just like your body, your instrument prefers a nice, consistent level of humidity – somewhere between 40% and 60% is usually ideal. Depending on where you live, the humidity in the summer can reach much higher than that, which is not good for your instrument. Wooden instruments in particular are at risk from humidity – their parts soak up moisture right out of the air, which can cause them to swell.

On the other hand, in rooms that are air conditioned, the humidity can drop well below 40%, which can cause those same wooden parts to shrink. All that shrinking and swelling, soaking up moisture then drying out, can lead to all sorts of different problems. From cracks and seam separations, to poor sound quality, deterioration, and even mold and mildew issues, the list of potential problems is extensive.

On top of keeping and storing your instrument in an environment with stable temperature and humidity, it’s also a good idea to use a humidification accessory as well. These handy little kits store and release moisture as needed, keeping your instrument safe from extreme variations. It’s a one-size-fits-all humidity solution.

Keep Your Instruments Stored Indoors

Lugging your instrument around town can be irritating – but it’s 100% worth it if it means keeping it in good working order. You may be tempted to leave your instrument in your car between lessons or jam sessions for “convenience.” But the reality is you’re putting your instrument in danger because of the fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Leaving your instrument in your car will subject it to changes that no humidity accessory will be able to handle.

Your best bet is to use your own body as a measuring tool – never leave your instrument anywhere you wouldn’t want to be left for the same amount of time. Instead, find a comfortable place for it inside, and store it there between sessions.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Here’s one aspect of caring for your instrument where you and your instrument may disagree. While humans may love soaking up the sun’s rays, long-term, direct exposure to sunlight is extremely damaging to most instruments, especially those with a wooden finish. In addition to making your instrument too hot and dry, sunlight can damage the finish, causing cracks, melting, or bubbles. What’s more, some types of finishes are very difficult and expensive to repair.

Traveling

Will you be bringing your instrument with you to summer music camp? Will it travel with you on that cross-country road-trip? How about that weekend flight to Grandma’s? Travel can often be the most dangerous situation for an instrument – they’re particularly vulnerable to damage, vandalism, theft, or simply being misplaced or lost long the way.

If you’re traveling by car, caring for your instrument is much easier than if you are flying. Since you can control the environment inside the car, it’s a good idea to:

• Keep your instrument inside the cab, rather than the trunk.
• Carry your instrument in a hard case.
• If it’s a string instrument, it’s a good idea to loosen the strings and bow hairs to prevent damage.
• Bring your instrument inside any restaurants or hotels if the car’s AC will be off for more than a half hour.

When traveling by air even more precautions should be taken. Be sure you understand the airline’s policies and add padding to your instrument’s case to start. Ideally, you should bring your instrument on as a carry-on, but if it’s too big, keep these tips in mind.

A Little Extra TLC

If you’re currently a music student still in school, there’s a chance that your instrument may not get as much use over the summer months as it does during the school year (even though it should!). This gives you the opportunity to give it a little extra TLC. Clean it regularly to keep the dust off it (the drier air of summer is some places can create more dust than the rest of the year) as well as mold spores (which can be common in more humid areas). Give it a good polishing to keep it looking its best, as well as protect it from the harsher climate. Summer vacation also gives you a great chance to go bring your instrument to a music shop for any small repairs or adjustments is may need.

If you feel that your instrument sounds “different,” like if you hear an odd buzzing or rattling, or if it sounds too tight or too loose, it’s time to bring it in to a music shop or luthier for a once-over. Each of these are a sign you could have a weather-related issue.

Staying proactive with your instrument care over the summer months can provide long-term benefits in the form of fewer repairs and higher-quality sound. After a nice summer vacation, and a little extra TLC, both you and your instrument will be ready for the fall!

Looking to start your musical journey this summer? Check out all our programs and camps, available both online and in person!