We’ve lived with temperature and humidity our whole lives. As the smartest species on the planet, we have the ability to adjust and move to a different place when we’re not in comfortable climate conditions. When the temperature is too hot we sweat – too cold we stiffen up. When the humidity level is too high it’s hard to breath, and when it’s too low our skin cracks and sinuses get dried out. Unfortunately, tonewood products and most musical instruments respond like us to uncomfortable climate conditions. Wood is “hygroscopic”, meaning it will attract and hold water molecules from the surrounding environment through absorption causing changes to the wood’s physical properties. These physical changes can adversely affect tone and play-ability at a minimum – to more severe damage from shrinking and swelling. There have been countless tonewood products and musical instruments damaged or destroyed from exposure to temperature and humidity. They rely on humans to keep them comfortable and in a safe place – “like a baby”.
At FGC we hope all tonewood products and musical instruments are cared for “like a baby”.
Here are “6 Best Care Practices” to play by –
- Do store in climate controlled/monitored environment, 70° Fahrenheit, 45-50% relative humidity
- Do not locate and/or store near air conditioner and furnace ducts/vents, radiators, etc.
- Do not store in a closed case
- Do limit exposure to extreme temperature changes during travel
- Do care for “like a baby” and play often to exercise the tonewood
- Do visit your local luthier if you suspect damage from exposure to temperature and humidity