Here in New England, our winters are very cold and very dry. Just as we huddle up when we’re cold, wooden string instruments shrink and contract with the change from our comfortable homes to the outside world. You may have opened your case recently to find many strings completely loose… Your instrument was as unhappy with this event as you were!
Humidifiers help mitigate the extremes when you leave the house. They also help the wood vibrate more freely, keeping your tone beautiful. Click on the photos to purchase our suggestions to keep your instrument happy!
Daily: Dampit
This is a sponge wrapped in rubber with holes to let the humidity evaporate inside your instrument. Keep a jar of water near your practice space. Soak the dampit while you play, then wipe down the exterior and fit it in your f-hole. These come in fractional and full-sizes to fit your instrument.
Weekly: Misting humidifier
This has made the biggest difference in my instrument’s happiness - and my own comfort! My violin sounds dry and brittle without it. I keep mine in my office / practice space.
Monthly: Stretto
Soak the gel-filled sponge for 5 minutes. Wipe exterior dry and place in plastic casing. Attach via velcro inside your instrument’s case. This option is great if you don’t practice daily and / or if you leave the house with your instrument. These aren’t instrument-size specific so while they’re more costly, they will stay with you longer.