A continuing series on care and maintenance.
Your violin is more than an instrument; it’s a piece of art and a cherished investment. Protecting it from environmental damage, especially during the winter months, is essential to maintaining its quality, sound, and longevity. Improper storage can lead to issues like cracking, seam openings, and peg problems. Here’s how you can keep your instrument safe and sound year-round.
1. Use Your Case as a Controlled Environment
Your violin case serves as a protective microclimate for your instrument, shielding it from external temperature and humidity fluctuations.
During the dry winter months, heating systems can reduce indoor humidity to dangerous levels, which puts your violin at risk of cracks or open seams. Tools like Boveda Humidity Packs
or a Damp-it humidifer
can maintain optimal humidity levels inside the case. These are easy to use and available at the Atelier Fine Strings website.
2. Control Humidity in Your Home
While case humidifiers are excellent, the overall environment in your home is equally important.
• Whole-Home Humidifiers: Here's a link to the one we've recently purchased several of for our own storefronts. These devices regulate humidity throughout your home, ensuring consistent moisture levels and protecting not just your violin but other wooden items.
• Portable Room Humidifiers: If a whole-home system isn’t an option, place a humidifier in the room where your violin is stored.
• Monitor with a Humidistat: An inexpensive humidistat can track humidity levels, helping you avoid extremes. Atelier offers reliable humidistats, available in-store or online, to make this easy. The ideal range is 40-60% humidity.
3. Store in a Stable, Climate-Controlled Space
Extreme temperatures can damage your violin. To prevent this:
• Keep your violin in a temperature-controlled room between 65-75°F.
• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, radiators, or cold drafts.
• Never leave your violin in a car, where temperature fluctuations can be severe.
4. Visit Atelier for a Free Biannual Checkup
We at Atelier strongly recommend a free checkup at either of our convenient locations every six months. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable luthiers are available to help you identify and resolve common winter-related problems, such as:
• Slipping or tight pegs.
• Open seams or cracks.
• Professional cleanings.
• Bow rehairing.
• Full restorations and more!
Proactive care from a professional luthier can prevent small issues from becoming costly repairs. Schedule your checkup online or visit one of our shops today.
5. Choose a High-Quality Case with Humidity Control
Invest in a case that provides proper insulation and humidity management. Look for features like:
• A snug fit to prevent movement.
• Weather-resistant materials to shield from moisture.
• Space to include humidifying tools like Dampit humidifiers or Boveda packs.
6. Clean and Maintain Your Violin Regularly
After each use, wipe your violin with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove oils and rosin dust. Inspect strings, pegs, and the bridge regularly and schedule professional maintenance as needed.
Protect Your Violin This Winter
Proper storage, regular checkups, and a little extra attention during the winter months can make all the difference in preserving your violin’s tone and beauty. At Atelier Fine Strings, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
For essential tools like humidistats, Dampit humidifiers, or Boveda packs, and for free biannual checkups, visit the Atelier Fine Strings website or stop by one of our locations. Let us help you protect your investment and keep your violin performing at its best.
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