How to Protect Your Instruments from the Heat

Have you ever walked by an old wooden ship? If you have, you've probably noticed the planks can become quite crooked. This is, in part, because significant temperature changes can cause wood to shrink and expand. The same processes can damage the delicate structure of wooden musical instruments.

Temperatures above 100 degrees will cause the glue in string instruments to degrade. While it's unlikely to melt the glue completely, it's just enough for the tension in the strings to start damaging the neck. Brass instruments and pianos are not resistant to heat either. Metal can expand and shrink, and piano keys become "sluggish" if you expose them to extreme temperatures.

So what can you do to protect your instruments? In this article, we cover everything you should know about protecting your instruments from the heat.

Basic Musical Instrument Protection

First of all, don't leave your instruments in the car. It seems obvious, but your car is just about the last place you should ever leave an instrument. On a hot day, when the outside temperature rises anywhere near 80 degrees, the temperature inside your car quickly rises above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Direct sunlight is another major problem, especially with string instruments like guitars. Extended exposure to the direct sun could damage the lacquer and loosen the strings, making them fall out of tune and weaken over time.

Guitar finishing is also susceptible to rapid temperature shifts. Of course, the same also applies to any other wooden musical instrument. A good basic rule of thumb is to keep your instruments in the same sort of conditions you would like to be in yourself - comfortable room temperature, and around 50% humidity. 

Storage Temperatures for Various Instruments

A vital part of instrument care is knowing proper storage methods and techniques. Regardless of what instrument you play, it is crucial to pay attention to both temperature and humidity at all times to help carefully preserve and protect your investment.

Be sure to store the instrument in its case whenever it's not in use. We recommend a wooden shelf in a temperature-controlled room for optimal storage. Also, be sure to only use quality hard-cases. Soft cases heat up faster and, more importantly, allow excessive transfer of heat and humidity to the instrument.

The proper room temperature and humidity varies from instrument to instrument. For example, guitars are optimally stored at between 72 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with humidity levels between 45% and 55%.

Humidity below 40% will cause the wood to shrink, but anything above 55% may cause expansion or warping. A similar range applies to many other instruments, but it's crucial to research what your specific instrument needs. There is no such thing as a heatproof musical instrument, and different families of instruments react differently to various humidity levels.

Temperature and Moisture Control

It's impossible to appropriately protect against humidity when you don't know the current moisture level in your home. Thankfully, a humidity monitor is the easiest way to get a dynamic, accurate measurement. Prices range widely, but even moderately priced devices have a margin of error of only around +1/-1%.

Depending on whether you are living in an arid or humid area, you may need to consider a humidifier or a dehumidifier, respectively. Some advocate for cheaper solutions, such as humidifying a room by drying clothes there or leaving the bathroom door open while showering, but these methods should be avoided because these methods are a lot less effective and are not worth the risk.

Controlling general room temperature and keeping it in the desired range tends to be a bit easier. Generally, understanding the ideal range and setting the thermostat to match will keep the temperature where it needs to be. Depending on your climate, the time of year, and the insulation of your storage area, you may need to consider additional preventative measures. 

Get Full Protection

Ensuring your musical instruments are appropriately stored and maintained will help significantly extend their longevity, but there is more you can do to preserve them. Ensure you have everything you need to restore your musical instruments should the unexpected occur. Anyone can befall a massive mistake, or simply be the victim of terrible luck. Accidents happen whether we like it or not, and Clarion Associates is here to help you when they occur.

Contact us for a quote, and see why we're the trusted choice of musicians the world over. Our comprehensive insurance plans provide you peace of mind you need, so you can focus on honing your craft.

How to Care for Your Instruments at Home

 

Properly caring for your instruments is essential for any dedicated musician. Ensuring they are safe and secure is a common concern, especially during the humid summer months or while traveling. Keeping your instruments free of dust and debris, and protecting them from humidity and heat are necessary if you want to both save in maintenance costs and prolong their life. Specific care requirements may differ, but there are a few general instrument care tips every musician should know and follow. 

 

The Basics

An instrument is a substantial investment. As such, many musicians choose to get some form of insurance for their instrument to protect it. While proper care can help prolong your instrument's life, there are plenty of unexpected factors it can't prevent. That's why musical instrument insurance is the perfect option for musicians looking to protect their investment no matter what happens.

One of the simplest ways to take care of your instruments is handling them properly. Instruments are delicate and need to be carefully maneuvered. So, it's vital your instrument is placed into its case gently. Most musicians know how to avoid bending or twisting anything or putting excessive pressure on their instruments’ joints. This will also help keep your delicate and expensive equipment safe while traveling. Other general tips to follow include limiting how often anyone else handles your instrument, and making sure you latch your instrument's case properly.

Proper Instrument Protection

Another great way to protect your investment is to keep your musical instruments in a weatherproof case when you are not using or transporting them. Periodically check to make sure the handles, zippers, and locks on the case are working correctly. This simple step will help prevent accidental damage from your instrument falling out.
 
While it may be tempting to showcase your instruments as decorative pieces in your home or studio, this may lead to excessive dust accumulation, which may ultimately cause additional wear. As such, you should always keep your instruments clean and free of any dust or debris. Wiping them down with a specialized rag will remove any dirt or other debris that may affect performance or potentially damage the instrument itself. 

Heat and Humidity

One of the most impactful ways to boost your instrument's lifespan is to protect them from excessive heat and humidity. Your instrument should always be kept in a dry and cool place. Higher temperatures can cause the wood or metal to wear and warp, significantly impacting your instrument's lifespan and sound. It's also important to avoid moisture, as wood may expand and contract, leading to cracking.

Moreover, make sure to never leave your instrument or its case out in the sun, even for a brief period of time. As most instrument cases are black or dark blue, they retain a lot of heat, which could seriously deteriorate your instrument’s varnish or adhesive. You should also periodically check any screws, keys, or tubes of your instrument to ensure they're not loose or damaged.

While you may be able to make very simple repairs on your own, keep in mind that any complicated servicing and adjustment should only be handled by an experienced professional. They have the proper equipment and expertise to make those repairs. They can get it done promptly and adequately, while also taking liability for any potential damage that may occur. 

 

Conclusion

Following the above advice will help get you started on the right path. To significantly extend the lifespan of your instrument, as well as helping to save you money on unneeded and unnecessary repairs, you must remain vigilant. Properly taking care of your instruments is a great way to keep them around longer. However, proper maintenance can't protect you from all accidental damage or the risk of theft. Thankfully musical instrument insurance is a great way to help protect your instrument and the investment you made in it.

Our instrument insurance plans help cover the cost of repairing or replacing your instrument in the event they're lost, stolen, or damaged accidentally. We also offer additional benefits such as the ability to file a claim anytime, access to a nationwide network of dealers, as well as customizable policies to meet your specific needs.

Contact us today for a quote, and see why Clarion is ideal for protecting your investment. Our comprehensive coverage allows you to keep your focus on playing while we take care of the rest!