Cold Weather + Stringed Instruments = Be Prepared

Cold weather and stringed instruments don't mix.

Now that the cold weather has arrived, it's time to think about how you transport and treat your guitars and banjos. I've had a few students leave their instruments in their cars since they come in for lessons after work and can't or won't bring them inside. This can do serious, permanent damage and you need to avoid it if you possibly can.

The dangers of extreme cold.

Cold weather causes the wood to shrink, puts extra stress on the parts of the instrument and can result in finish cracks, and cracks in the back and sides of your guitar. If you need to leave the guitar in your car, be sure to let it adjust before removing it from the case. Bring it inside and let the case sit unopened until the temperature is about the same as the room.

Heated and unheated rooms, low humidity and fireplaces.

Even if you store your guitar or banjo inside, you need to exercise caution. Don't leave it on a stand that's near a heat vent, the fireplace or an outside door or window. Playing and singing in front of the fireplace can be fun, but don't let the instrument get too hot. A humidifier that you keep in the case or in the soundhole of the guitar can help keep the wood stable. When it gets cold and the heat is on in your house the air dries out. Storing your instruments in an unheated room like a basement requires the same care as bringing it in from outside. Try to find a place where it won't be subjected to extreme temperature changes.

Read the owner's manual if you have it.

While guitars and banjos aren't quite as fragile as the manual makes it sound, the information in it has good, practical advice. Taking care of an instrument in winter is mostly about common sense and being aware of what you should or shouldn't do.