How to Protect Your Musical Instruments: The Importance of Temperature and Humidity Control

A Guide to Preserve All Types of Musical Materials

Time to read: 6 minutes

As we transition into the colder fall and holiday seasons, it’s crucial for musicians to consider humidity and temperature control for their instruments. Musical instruments are more than objects; they are vessels of emotion and artistic expression. Temperature and humidity significantly affect their preservation. Every instrument, especially new ones, requires extra care to maintain their integrity. From the moment we received yours, it is always in a temperature and humidity-controlled environment. But this may not always be the case for you.

With a little bit of help from the Cosmo Music Repair Shop, you can be prepared to keep guitars, pianos, violins, clarinets, and all other instruments protected from humidity and temperature change. We are talking all wood-based, brass and wind, and electronic instruments.

The Impact of Temperature and Humidity on Musical Instruments

Wood Instruments

Instruments made from wood, like violins, cellos, and guitars, are particularly vulnerable to temperature and humidity changes. Wood naturally expands and contracts with environmental fluctuations, leading to potential warping, cracking, and sound quality deterioration. These changes cause wood to expand and contract, potentially leading to warping, cracking, and changes in sound quality. In addition, musical instruments made from tone woods can suffer from warping, cracking, brittleness, and a much shorter lifespan if not adequately humidified. This is because wood absorbs and reacts to the moisture content in the air in a very organic way, changing form and structure as it is exposed to various environments.

Ideal Temperature for Wood Instruments

The ideal temperature range for wood musical instruments is usually between 20°C to 22°C (68°F to 72°F).

Ideal Humidity for Wood Instruments

Relative humidity levels between 40% and 50% are recommended for wood-based instruments.

Brass and Wind Instruments

Brass and wind instruments, such as trumpets and clarinets, can also suffer from humidity, leading to tarnishing and corrosion. In fact, all metals can corrode. Some, like pure iron, corrode quickly. Stainless steel, however, which combines iron and other alloys, is slower to corrode and is therefore used more frequently. Instruments like metal flutes are generally made from silver, gold, or a combination of metals, making them less sensitive to environmental factors. They are more robust and resistant to drops, impacts, or moisture damage. Even so, metal flutes may require regular polishing to maintain their lustre and prevent tarnish. Many wood instruments utilize metal parts, so it’s best to keep all relative humidity and temperature levels in mind.

Ideal Temperature for Brass and Wind Instruments

Aim to store brass and wind instruments in a temperature range of 18°C to 24°C (65°F to 75°F).

Ideal Humidity for Brass and Wind Instruments

Relative humidity levels between 40% and 60% are recommended for metal-based brass and woodwind instruments.

Electronic Instruments

High temperatures can cause electronic instruments, such as synthesizers, digital keyboards, and pedals, to overheat, reducing their lifespan and causing malfunctions. Although electronic devices are less affected by temperature fluctuations, they should still be kept within a moderate range. While these devices are not as affected by low humidity, high humidity is a serious problem for electrical systems.

Ideal Temperature for Electronic Instruments

Electronic devices are less affected by temperature fluctuations but should still be kept within a moderate range of 18°C to 27°C (65°F to 80°F).

Ideal Humidity for Electronic Instruments

Relative humidity levels between 40% and 60% are recommended for metal-based electronic instruments.

Products to Improve Temperature and Humidity

Oasis OH-1 Guitar Humidifier

Model: Oasis OH-1
UPC: 898775001007
Cosmo SKU: P100139080 | FAXXOASOH1
👉 Shop Oasis OH-1

For complete confidence that your guitar is getting the humidification, it needs in dry winter weather without worrying about whether your humidifier is leaking or hurting your instrument.

Planet Waves Hygrometer Humidity and Temperature Sensor

Model: Planet Waves PW-HTS
UPC: 019954942212
Cosmo SKU: P100139125 | FAXXPLNPWHTS
👉 Shop Planet Waves Hygrometer Humidity and Temperature Sensor

The Planet Waves Humidity & Temperature Sensor is a precision-designed hygrometer that digitally indicates accurate relative humidity levels ranging from low (under 20%) to 99%

D’Addario Humidipak System Replacement Packets

Model: D’Addario PW-HPRP-12
UPC: 019954979508
Cosmo SKU: P100139117 | FAXXPLNPWHPRP12
👉 Shop D’Addario Humidipak System Replacement Packets

12-pack of replacement packets for the Planet Waves Humidipak Humidity Control System, the first maintenance-free, two-way humidity control system that preserves a constant 45%-50% relative humidity level within your instrument’s case.

👉 Discover more products to control humidity and temperature: Humidity Solutions on CosmoMusic.ca

Tips for Temperature and Humidity Control

Proper humidity and temperature control are crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of delicate musical instruments, especially in environments with significant fluctuations. Here are some tips to help you control humidity and temperature effectively:

Use Climate-Controlled Storage

Humidity Control: Store instruments in a room with controlled humidity levels. Ideally, the humidity should be maintained between 40-60% Use humidifiers or dehumidifiers as necessary.

Temperature Control: Maintain a stable temperature within the storage area. Sudden temperature fluctuations can cause condensation, which is harmful to instruments.

Proper Instrument Cases

Use custom-fitted instrument cases made from materials that offer insulation against extreme temperatures and humidity changes. Equip cases with humidity-absorbing packets or silica gel to maintain a stable environment within the case.

Regular Maintenance

Inspect instruments regularly for signs of damage or wear, which can be exacerbated by fluctuating humidity and temperature.

Invest in Climate-Controlled Rooms

For valuable or sensitive instruments, consider storing them in a dedicated climate-controlled room. These rooms are specially designed to maintain precise temperature and humidity levels.

Seal Windows and Doors

Seal windows and doors to prevent outside air from entering the storage area, as outside air can bring in humidity and temperature fluctuations.

Use Hygrometers and Thermometers

Install hygrometers and thermometers in the storage area to monitor humidity and temperature levels regularly. This allows you to take corrective actions if there are deviations from the desired range.

Proper Ventilation

Ensure proper ventilation to prevent stagnation of air, which can lead to moisture buildup. However, balance ventilation with the need to maintain a stable environment.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Instruments should be kept away from direct sunlight, as it can cause rapid temperature changes and damage the instrument’s materials.

Consult Professionals

For valuable or antique instruments, consider consulting with experts or conservation specialists. They can provide tailored advice based on the specific requirements of the instruments in question.

If you have any questions about your instrument’s humidification needs, don’t hesitate to contact the Cosmo Music Repair Shop.

🎻 Cosmo Music Repair Shop

1-800-463-3000 ext. 380
10 Via Renzo Drive
Richmond Hill ON
at Leslie Street, north of Major Mackenzie Drive
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10 Via Renzo Drive
Richmond Hill ON
at Leslie Street, north of Major Mackenzie Drive
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