🎻 Why Seasonal Storage Matters for Bowed Instruments
As the leaves fall and temperatures drop, musicians must prepare their instruments for the shift in humidity and climate. Bowed string instruments—crafted from delicate, organic materials like spruce, maple, and ebony—are particularly vulnerable to seasonal changes.
Without proper care, you risk:
- Cracks from dry air
- Open seams
- Warped bows
- Loss of tone quality
That’s why fall is the perfect time to re-evaluate how and where you store your violin, viola, cello, or bass.
🌡 The Big Risk: Humidity Swings
Wood instruments are hygroscopic. This means they expand and contract with the surrounding air moisture. During fall and winter, indoor heating dries out the air, creating rapid humidity drops. These changes can stress the instrument’s body, causing it to:
- Shrink or crack
- Loosen seams
- Shift soundpost placement (impacting tone)
- Warp or tighten bow hair
🎯 Optimal Humidity Range:
Keep your instrument in 40–60% relative humidity. Below 40%, the risk of damage increases significantly.
🧰 Essential Fall Storage Tools
🏠 Where Should You Store Your Instrument?
Not all rooms are created equal when it comes to safe storage. Here are do’s and don’ts:
✅ Best Places:
- Insulated bedroom or closet (away from windows and vents)
- Living room near an interior wall
- Inside a closed case with a humidifier
🚫 Avoid:
- Attics or basements: prone to extreme temperature shifts
- Near radiators or vents: drying air directly damages varnish and joints
- Direct sunlight or cold drafts: sudden temp swings cause stress fractures
🔒 Pro Tip: Always latch your case (even when inside) to ensure the instrument is properly protected from pressure and environmental fluctuations.
🪵 Bow Storage in Fall: Don’t Forget This!
Your bow is just as sensitive as your instrument. Bow hair expands and contracts with humidity much faster than wood, and dry air causes:
- Bow hair to shrink and snap
- Bow sticks to warp if stored under full tension
- Grip leather to dry and crack
✅ Fall Bow Storage Tips:
- Always loosen your bow before storing
- Wipe off excess rosin to protect varnish
- Use a humidified case for bow storage too
- Consider a rehair before concert season if your bow hasn’t been serviced this year
🔁 Seasonal Instrument Check-In Routine
Set a monthly reminder to inspect your instrument and bow for:
- Open seams or cracks
- Soundpost shifts (does tone feel “off”?)
- Bow hair tension and breakage
- Humidity levels in your case
- Proper bridge alignment
If you notice issues, take it to a trusted luthier at Shar Music and we can help you. Check out our Repair & Restoration department. Our team of highly skilled luthiers and technicians is ready to help you with all your repair and restoration needs.
Whether you’re a student just starting out or a seasoned performer preparing for winter concerts, proper storage is key to keeping your instrument healthy and sounding its best. Fall and winter don’t have to mean costly repairs or tonal issues. A little preparation can go a long way. At Shar Music, we’re here to support your musical journey with trusted tools, expert advice, and everything you need to protect the music you love.
🎻 Need help choosing the right humidifier or case? Reach out to our team—we’re musicians too, and we’re always happy to help.
