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Is Cold Weather Giving Your Instrument the Blues?
To be clear, we're not referring to the 'Blues' genre of music. We're talking about the sad feeling your instrument can get when it's exposed to the harsh elements of the cold. This time of the year can make for some pretty tough winters with blistering winds, heavy snow, low humidity, and below-zero temperatures; all things that risk damage to your instrument.
But fear not, there are some quick and easy ways to protect your instrument from weather conditions, to ensure that the only 'Blues' you'll be dealing with this season are B.B. King's!
Humidifiers
Cold weather often brings with it dry air, which can lead to cracks, warping, and potentially irreparable damage, especially to wooden instruments. Pairing a humidifier with your instrument is a great way to help maintain proper humidity levels. These affordable devices come in a variety of sizes and options, so that you can easily store one inside your instrument case (or within the body of the instrument itself) to ensure that even when stored, your instrument is in ideal conditions at all times.
If you're in need of a quality humidifier this winter season, PM Music Center has got you covered. We offer a variety of humidifiers available online and in-store, click here to check out our selection.
Instrument Cases
Keeping your instrument in its case whenever its not in use is a simple way to ensure that your instrument is protected at all times. And it has even more benefits come winter time. By storing your instrument in it's case, you're automatically protecting it from the direct impact of chilliness and or dry conditions. Think of it as a form of "insulation" that keeps out the cold and retains the warmth. Your case will always be your first line of defense against the elements, so always remember to properly store instruments in your case when you're finished playing!
Click here to check out PM Music Center's selection of top quality cases:
Hot Air
Blowing hot air into your instrument is an easy and quick fix that can be helpful for musicians who are performing outside (shout out to our marching band students!). Simply by blowing air into your mouthpiece, you can prevent your instrument from becoming too cold in between songs. This can be a great way to help prevent any sluggishness or stiffness within your instrument.
Lubrication
Proper lubrication is always a great way to keep your instrument in top form, and is even more important when dealing with inclement weather and temperatures. If you find that your instrument is going significantly out of tune due to weather, continuously applying proper valve oils is a quick and easy way to combat the cold and help you get back in tune.
Keep Your Instrument Clean
Having a clean cloth handy whenever you're playing is always a great idea, and is even more important when precipitation is added to the mix. Cold moisture from rain, snow, or ice can cause external damage to your instrument. An easy way to combat this is to keep a clean cloth handy to wipe down your instrument, especially if it's directly exposed to the elements.
Pro tip: Certain fabrics may be too rough for certain types of instrument types, so its important to choose a cloth that is formulated for your specific make and model. Check out our selection cleaning cloths and care kits: