5 Essential Maintenance and Care Tips for Musical Instruments
Playing musical instruments is no less than a thrill. The joy of producing new sounds mimics the state of transcendence for the players and professional artists. Some even use it to earn their living. With so much in store for striking the right chords, a musical instrument no matter how big or small is a pure treasure that anyone would cherish.
Musical instruments are powerful in terms of the uniqueness they produce but are super vulnerable to damages due to their fragile nature. The temperature they are kept in, the way they are handled when being played, and the frequency of cleaning are a few things that impact their performance and sound over time.
Having said that, it becomes important to take good care of your musical instrument and give the maintenance it calls for. By doing that, you ensure it remains in good shape and gets a long lifespan. If you are new to musical instruments, here are these tips to help you safeguard your costly investment –
- Keep Them in their Case
This may be a no-brainer for most of you but not for the ones who think their musical instruments are a great show-off. I have seen people hanging their guitars on the walls or putting them where everyone can see. If you are the latter lot, then let me tell you that you may enhance the appeal of the house by doing it but are up for some serious trouble. Displaying your instruments puts them at risk of getting damaged by dust, wind, moisture, and negligence. So, you better keep them inside the casing when not in use.
- Clean Them Often
Cleaning your musical instruments after every few days is essential. A lot of dirt and debris may accumulate despite locking them in the case and when played, can cause unpleasant sounds. Thus, make sure you are mindful of giving your precious instruments a routine cleaning. Even if you are not playing often, dust off and wipe them properly with a wet cloth. However, be extra cautious of the cleaning solutions you use. Refrain from any cleanser that is chemical-loaded.
- Store Them in the Right Temperature
Other than the instrument’s case, it is the location you choose that matters. Musical instruments are immensely affected by the temperature of the room. So, you have to keep them at bay from hot, humid, or very cold weather. The high and low temperatures have to be controlled; otherwise, the joints and strings might suffer swelling and warping, and there can be mold growth in your wooden instruments.
- Send Them for Repairing
Talking specifically about flutes and piccolos here, they are very delicate and tend to wear out as you use them and at times break down as they age. In that case, you must find a certified flute repair store in your city. Keep a keen eye on cracks or dents in the body of the instrument. Look for broken keys, or tuners or valves. Also, see any problems with other hardware equipment that may have arisen due to high moisture levels or water damage.
- Get Them Insured
If you are someone who travels with your musical instruments more often, there are high chances of them getting damaged or lost. Also, there are possibilities of accidental damage while performing in public or private settings. In all such cases, a well-defined musical instrument insurance policy covers you from all directions. Whether you are a hobbyist, casual player or a proficient musician, if you love your instrument, protect it.