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How To Protect Your Violin From Cold Weather
Although it's been around since the 16th century, the violin is still gaining popularity. In fact, it's currently the third most popular instrument for people to learn in 2024!
However, it's one thing to learn it, and another to care for it. Your violin must be protected from more than just bumps and scrapes. Let's talk about how to protect your violin from the cold and the best violin cases for cold weather!
How Does the Cold Affect Violins?
Any string instrument, especially made of wood, is sensitive to cold weather. During the cold, dry winter months, improper storage of your violin could lead to serious problems. Here are just a few of them.
Tuning
Strings do not like cold, and the cold weather will wear out your strings faster. However, in the short-term, cold and constantly-changing temperatures will throw your violin out of tune regularly.
Sound
As the wood expands and contracts due to the changing weather conditions, it will likely affect the sound quality, even when properly tuned. While this isn't a big deal if you're only practicing at home, it could affect performance and sound quality at a recital. If that's the case, you may need to get your soundpost or bridge adjusted.
Potential for Permanent Damage
Not only will the cold affect the sound, but sharp temperature changes can easily destroy instruments, especially ones as fragile as a violin. If the wood has become accustomed to colder temperatures and you suddenly expose it to warm temperatures (or vice versa), you risk temperature shock, which can crack the wood.
The reason this happens is that the cold, dry air sucks the moisture out of the wood, which is enough to crack it on its own if given enough time. Also, wood could become misshapen or warped, which can permanently affect the sound of your instrument, especially in fragile areas like the bridge.
What Is Proper Storage for Violins?
Ideally, you should aim to keep your violin stored around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 to 21 Celsius) throughout the winter. Keep them stored in a room where you use heat, limit the time they spend outside, and use a humidifier when possible.
Always store your violin away from any heating elements, air conditions, or windows. In the event you notice water or grease on your violin, wipe it down with a cloth before putting it away for storage.
If you decide violin isn’t for you, that you’re taking a break, or that you don’t use your old violin too much, don’t store it anywhere that isn’t climate-controlled. It may be tempting to put it in the attic, garage, or basement, but it could seriously affect the instrument over time. Even if you plan to re-sell it, keep it in proper storage.
Also, never leave your instrument in the car. Not only will it be more susceptible to theft, but the sun or the cold could cause irreversible damage within hours.
Lastly, always keep it in a case, as this will act as a buffer from outside elements. This way, if there is a shift in the temperature in a room, the violin will have a time delay and be able to adjust to the new conditions less abruptly. Let’s talk about finding the right case.
What Is the Best Violin Case for Cold Weather?
Generally, you will want a weather-resistant case, regardless of what climate you live in. Heat resistance, cold resistance, and water resistance will allow you to travel freely and properly store your violin without fear.
No matter what kind of case you have, remember to always store your violin in the case when you aren’t using it. Nevertheless, here are some of the best on the market!
Bam Violin Case
Bam has a reputation for all-around quality, and they certainly live up to their claims when it comes to protecting your instrument.
In all seriousness, every Bam product is guaranteed to be remarkably weather-resistant, which is why we aren’t listing a specific model. All of their cases offer heat resistance, weather resistance, durable material, a 2-year warranty, and some of the best quality craftsmanship you can find.
Gewa Air 1.7 violin case
The German-engineered Gewa Air 1.7 is extremely lightweight, weighing only 3.5 pounds (1.58 kg). Don’t let the light material fool you, as these cases are made with a special molding technique, using thermoplastic material that is far more weather-resistant than carbon fiber.
Without question, this is one of the most durable and protective violin cases on the market for a price of $499.
Gewa Bio-S violin case
Finally, the best budget option is the Gewa Bio-S oblong case, which you can buy for only $154. This case is still fairly lightweight, weighing only 5.7 pounds (2.58 kg) while still offering great insulation against both hot and cold weather. Also, for such an affordable model, the hard shell offers great water resistance, making this the perfect option for beginner players and hobbyists!
Stay Warm This Winter!
Now that you know how to properly store your instrument and some of the best cases for cold weather, you should shop through the top violin cases and find one that’s right for you. Keep reading our blog for more information and feel free to contact us with any questions about our products, pricing, or policies!