Shane is Falcetti Music’s Stringed Instruments Repair Technician, handling guitar and orchestral stringed instrument repair and maintenance. He has studied with internationally celebrated violin maker and restoration master Hans Nebel in his violin training program in North Adams, MA.

While it doesn’t quite feel like it yet, summer is on its way. With vacations top of mind, it may be easy to forget about maintaining our stringed instruments. While each season requires slightly different care, this post covers how to care for your guitar, violin, cello, mandolin—or whatever stringed instrument you play—when the weather turns hot and humid.

When it comes to keeping your instrument in good playing order for years to come, it starts with how it is stored when not being played. While solid-body electric guitars and basses are less susceptible to humidity, it’s still very important that all wooden stringed instruments are kept at around 45% humidity and within a temperature range of roughly 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s no need to stress about small fluctuations, but it’s best to avoid leaving your instrument in a hot car on a summer day.

For acoustic guitars and orchestral stringed instruments, humidity levels can be managed with a simple humidifier inserted directly into the instrument. This method, along with storing the instrument in its case, is one of the best ways to protect it during warmer weather. There are several types of humidifiers available, each with slightly different instructions.

With the ever-changing New England seasons, we recommend that all guitars and orchestral stringed instruments be inspected and serviced quarterly. As the weather shifts, the wood your instrument is made from responds to those changes, and adjustments may be necessary to keep it playing and sounding its best. Staying on top of regular maintenance can help prevent long-term damage and reduce the need for more extensive repairs.

Taking a little time to care for your instrument as the seasons change can make a noticeable difference in how it feels and sounds. With a bit of attention and consistency, your instrument will stay reliable and enjoyable to play throughout the summer and beyond.