Humidity, heat and cold
Extreme temperatures and thermal shock can affect your instrument. Like most organic materials, wood expands in heat and contracts in cold.
Too much heat can irreversibly damage the varnish or cause the seals to come loose. Never leave your instrument in direct sunlight, near any heat source, or in the trunk or passenger compartment of a car.
If a change in temperature is unavoidable, it is advisable to allow the instrument to acclimatize gently by waiting about ten minutes before opening the case.
Temperature and humidity go hand in hand. Humidity is an important factor to consider when caring for your stringed instrument. When the air is humid, the wood expands and when it is dry, it contracts, to a greater or lesser degree depending on the species.
As a general rule, wood reacts strongly to rapid hygrometric fluctuations (especially to dehumidification). It is possible to prevent problems caused by hygrometric variations by using a hygrometer, in summer and winter. The hygrometer is an instrument used to measure the relative humidity level. Expressed as a percentage, this is the amount of water vapor contained in the air at a given temperature.
It is also recommended to control the relative humidity of the room where the instrument is usually located. In summer, air conditioning can help lower the humidity level.
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