Winter doesn’t just bring fresh snow and the opportunity to go skiing, sledding or ice skating. It can also be a time of year that can be damaging to a violin, viola, cello and other wood instruments if special care is not taken to protect them.
Protecting your instrument from the temperature changes winter brings is crucial to extending its life. Wood expands and contracts according to how much moisture is in the air. For that reason, it’s important to keep your instrument at a steady temperature. If you travel with your instrument, even a short distance, this means doing a few extra things to ensure it is protected.
- Never leave your instrument in the car: Extreme cold or heat can cause the wood to crack in only a short amount of time.
- Purchase a protective case: Many cases now feature extra padding and protection to help the instrument maintain a consistent temperature. Some include a double safeguard by using a latch and a zipper to close the case, thus ensuring hot and cold air do not enter and affect the wood.
- Always secure your zipper: When transporting your instrument, always ensure the zipper is sealed tightly. The zipper acts as a second layer of protection from the elements and acts as a safeguard against the outside elements. Even if it’s not raining or snowing, the chilling wind can enter into the case and negatively affect the instrument.
Your musical instrument is a significant investment. It should be given the care and concern it deserves. Treat it well and it will do the same for you.