The first warm days of summer are finally here and it’s time to make sure we take great care of our instruments through the heat
- Do not leave your instrument in a hot car, even for as little as 10 minutes. The interior temperature of the car can rise twenty degrees higher than the air temperature in as little as ten minutes. An 80 degree day feels agreeably warm, but 100+ degrees in the car can easily soften varnish to the point that the case will imprint at contact points. Permanent damage can happen very quickly.
- For cellists and bassists, the increase in temperature and humidity often results in strings higher off of the fingerboard as the instrument goes through its seasonal changes. Cellists often have a “summer” bridge as well as one that works well in the colder months.
- Don’t leave your rosin in the car! I’ve heard some very sad stories about an entire container of bass rosin melting into the carpet or cupholder…not something you want to clean up.
- I’ve always enjoyed playing outdoors in nice weather but it is important to try and select a spot out of direct sunlight.
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