Guide for Violin Care & Maintenance
Instrument Care and Maintenance by the Player
Temperature & Humidity
In most parts of North America, temperature and humidity levels vary dramatically from summer to winter. Stringed instruments are made principally of wood, which expands in the humid summer months and contracts in the winter. Expansion and contraction can cause minor inconveniences such as buzzing or open seams or major problems such as cracks. You can minimize humidity related problems by doing the following:- Humidify your home during the dry winter months. Ideal humidity for instruments is 30-40% in most areas. Most homes require supplementary humidification from a cool mist, steam humidifier, or evaporative wick humidifier.
- Maintain a relatively constant humidity year-round. Dehumidification or A/C helps in the summer.
- Use an instrument or case humidifier when humidity drops below the normal range. These can be purchased at your violin shop.
- Do not subject your instrument to extreme temperatures. Never leave your musical instruments in your car.
Pegs
Stiff or slipping pegs are common problems. The three main reasons behind peg problems are:- Seasonal humidity variations
- Improperly wound strings
- Poor peg fit