So, you've bought your first musical instrument. Now you're ready to showcase your talents in the multiverse of notes. Yet, like any true hero of melody, your nemesis is never far away. These are subtle forces, imperceptible to the naked eye, that seek to undermine your musicality. Against your trusty instrument, enemies like humidity, dust, and temperature fluctuations work slowly in the shadows. Upon contact, your musical instrument transforms into a dull object, good only for cacophony. How to prevent these threats without becoming paranoid and effectively protect your instrument is what we'll help you unpack in the following sections.
Enemy n°1: Mr. Humidity
Humidity remains the most insidious enemy of musical instruments. Indeed, the ideal humidity level is between 45% and 55%. And of course, measuring the correct percentage is a challenge. Above this range, in the case of wood, for example, it swells. Below it, it shrinks. This is the case for an acoustic guitar whose soundboard is made from quarter-sawn wood, meaning it is cut perpendicular to the annual growth rings. This is done to obtain maximum resonance.
Unfortunately, and fortunately (at the same time), this wood is a living material. When in a humid environment, it absorbs water like a sponge. This causes the fibers to stretch and the glues to soften. This leads to the joints opening. Often, it starts as a small crack, invisible at first, which grows over time. The sound is then affected. It becomes muddy.
And you're probably thinking: it's better without humidity… Wrong! Overly dry air causes equally serious problems. If your heating is running at full blast, the humidity will be as low as -30%. This causes the wood to shrink drastically. On a violin, the top arches; on a cello, cracks appear along the grain. These "checks"—shrinkage cracks—are irreversible. They impair the transmission of vibrations and, worse, weaken the structure. The result: a harsh, almost lifeless sound.
To counteract this, use a digital hygrometer—these small devices cost less than a gut E string. Place a case humidifier inside during dry periods and a crystal dehumidifier in the summer. Avoid unventilated basements or overheated attics. An instrument stored in a hard case with humidity control lasts longer than a musician who sits in one place.
Enemy n°2: Dust, the sneaky one
At first glance, it seems harmless. Yet, it slowly accumulates on the soundboard, in the soundholes, and under the strings. The problem? Its abrasive nature. Composed of various particles, it attacks like microscopic sandpaper. In the case of a classical guitar, this friction, amplified by handling, wears down the finish. On a piano, it seeps into the mechanism: the hammer felts become clogged, and the key spindles squeak.
But the worst part? Dust is insidious because it doesn't act alone. It retains moisture. In a slightly humid environment, it transforms into a sticky paste that attracts mold. Once it settles on steel strings, it promotes corrosion: the oxidation forms a reddish layer that muffles the overtones.
Clean regularly with a dry microfiber cloth – never a damp one, as this will only push the dirt further. For wind instruments, use swabs and specific cleaning products. A well-maintained saxophone shines; a neglected one rusts.
Enemy n°3 : Stressful temperature variations
Temperature directly affects materials. Wood, metal, leather, ivory: everything reacts differently. A sudden rise of 10°C causes metals to expand faster than wood. On a double bass, the ebony tuning pins loosen; the strings go out of tune. A rapid drop freezes the condensation in the pipes of an organ. During the transport of musical instruments in a car without proper ventilation at -20°C: the wooden mouthpiece could not withstand the thermal shock.
In the same situation, avoid direct heat sources. Never leave an instrument near a radiator, a sunny window, or in a car during the summer. If you want your instrument to acclimate to room temperature, do so slowly. Take the instrument out of its case an hour before playing. Luthiers recommend a room at a constant 20°C (68°F), away from drafts. A smart thermometer can alert you if the temperature is fluctuating.
Enemy n°4 : Mold Bold! The fungal false note
Humidity attracts mold. These microscopic fungi feed on glue, felt, and leather. On a violin or any other similar instrument, they colonize the inside of the body and are invisible from the outside. A musty, cellar-like smell betrays their presence. On an upright piano, they attack the felt dampers: the notes become stuck.
Prevention involves ventilation. Open the case regularly in a dry room. Use silica gel packets or moisture absorbers. If the infestation is advanced, consult a conservator – some fungicide treatments are toxic and require expertise. A moldy instrument loses not only its value, but also its sound.
Enemy n°5 : Insect vador
Wood-boring insects love wood. Woodworms, carpet beetles, and longhorn beetles lay their eggs in cracks, and their larvae burrow galleries. A violin may look intact but sound hollow—literally. The small, round exit holes appear only after the insects have established themselves. Instruments made of softwood (spruce, pine) are the most vulnerable.
To prevent potential insect infestations, inspect regularly under raking light. A preventative treatment with permethrin (a wood insecticide) can be applied by a professional. Avoid home remedies like essential oils – they mask the problem without killing it. A worm-eaten instrument is rarely entirely salvageable.
Conclusion
Protecting an instrument requires daily discipline. Hygrometer, thermometer, soft cloths—no accessory is superfluous for the meticulous musician. A well-maintained instrument increases in value. For those unsure where to find protective accessories or seeking further advice, the Boite à Musique team can help. And be careful! Invisible enemies never sleep, but with vigilance, you can keep them at bay. Because ultimately, music isn't just in the notes: it's in the care we give to that which brings it to life.