All humans are indisputably affected by the cooler days and encroachment of the third and fourth seasons. We musicians should also know (or at least be somewhat aware) that these months are no friend to stringed instruments either.
Whether you play violin, viola, cello, or something else, these instruments require far too much upkeep and money to allow them to be stricken useless by the cool temperatures of fall and winter.
A recent article from the team at Huthmaker Fine Violins talks about the importance of protecting your instrument from extreme temperatures. ”Cold can cause the wood to crack or split,” it can also “change the chemistry of glue, making it release its hold.” Their best advice? “Keep your instrument as comfortable temperature-wise as you like to be.” Simple, straightforward advice!
Award-winning Canadian violinist Rhiannon Nachbaur Schmitt says that it isn’t so much the low temperature you should fear, as much as it is the low humidity. Rhiannon points out that low humidity, rather than low temperatures cause the biggest problems for violins and cellos. “This extreme lack of humidity causes wood to dry out. This is all fine and dandy if you’re curing firewood for a romantic blaze by the fireplace, but it’s murder on violins.” Since these instruments are made almost entirely out of wood they are also extremely susceptible to dry air. “This is because wood is full of tiny pod-shaped pockets which serve the purpose of storing water for the living tree. As the cut wood ages, it naturally dries and shrinks… The problem arises when there are sudden changes in humidity. As the air dries rapidly, the tiny moisture pockets are emptied of water, causing the wood to shrink a tiny bit. But when it becomes suddenly dry the wood shrinks so rapidly as to cause potential damage to the instrument.”
Rhianna goes on to say that the best way to combat low humidity is to use a tool called a “Dampit.” It’s a simple, long sponge that sits inside a rubber tube-like device. Over time it slowly releases moisture into the body of the violin, allegedly keeping the air at the perfect level of wetness.
Ultimately, low temperatures and low humidity can kill your beloved stringed instrument. As the days get shorter and the mercury drops, make sure you’re taking good care of your instruments! Fortunately none of these things requires much time or effort! Happy playing!