Temperature and Humidity Changes Can Affect Your String Instrument

Take extra care of your string instrument with this month's crazy weather! Fluctuating temperature and the lack of humidity in the air due to changing temperatures, can cause action problems, buzzing strings and warping necks on string instruments, such as guitars, violins, cellos, and violas. Not using an instrument humidifier, changes in altitude and improper instrument storage where temperatures fluctuate can also lead to these issues. String instruments are made of wood which expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes. The wood expanding or contracting can cause action problems, and even bow or warp the neck of a string instrument. To prevent this from happening to your instrument keep it humidified with an instrument humidifier and be careful where you store it. Wooden instruments should never be stored close to areas where extreme temperature fluctuations can occur. For example, by a heating/cooling vent, radiator, radiant heat, stove, windows or doors. If you detect a change in your instrument's handling or notice warping, bring it in to an experienced luthier for immediate attention.