Caring for the Cello: Humidity and Weather Control

Thanks for watching our video on caring for your instrument! Cellos were designed in cold European climates, and though hardy, have to be cared for in hot and humid places.
Even relatively mild heat can actually melt the varnish on top of the instrument, or even the glue holding the instrument together. Similarly, too much humidity, or a sudden absence of humidity, can cause either similar disassembly or parts of the cello to crack.
And not to mention a wooden instrument carved thin is already delicate!
In order to elevate these issues, we have some important steps in caring for your cello that should help you avoid any disasters.
First, the most basic maintenance is to regularly wipe down your cello and bow for fallen rosin finger oils, both of which can damage the instrument if left on.
Finger oils can mix with the varnish or erode any exposed piece of wood, and can lead to irreparable damage if left unattended. Remember how varnish can melt easily?
If it does, it will mix with any substances on top of it and permanently ingrain rosin or finger oils on the instrument. Firstly, this can damage the wood underneath, and secondly, is just gross.
Second, make sure to take care to not put unnecessary knicks or stress on the surface of your cello. Even minor scratches, if left unchecked, can cause the exposed wood to be damaged.
But certainly you want to make sure nothing ever spills or falls on your instrument. If you get a hole in it somewhere, in most cases the cello will likely be totaled, so no good. Make sure to have a good, hard case for it when traveling around.
Never aimlessly carry the cello or run or take stairs with the cello out in the open. Mostly common sense, but just leave it in its case if unattended, and keep away from open containers and food.
Third, some specific tips about avoiding heat. Avoid direct sunlight, as the radiation from the sun can cause the instrument to heat up, even if it's not otherwise too hot.
Be careful leaving the cello where there are radiators or vents producing heat. If possible, leave the air conditioning for where the instrument is kept at a consistent temperature. This will help in many ways to keep your cello in shape, and even in tune.
Fourth, some people like to use a rubber humidifier device in winter to keep the instrument from getting to dried and cracked. This is somewhat personal preference, but a lot of people use them and appreciate them.
There’s a sponge inside that you get wet, but then you dry the outer rubber part and insert the whole thing into one of your F-holes. Link here: www.amazon.com/Dampit-1091D-C...
Fifth, make sure to have a good case. If you just have a gig bag, that isn’t protecting your cello from structural or weather damage.
But a solid case made by a well known manufacturer like BAM is going to do a great job of protecting from damage, humidity, weather, and rain. It may even save you money in the long run by protecting against these things.
Finally, learn to pay attention to the little things. Is your bridge upright perpendicular to the body of the instrument? Do any of your strings look crooked at the peg, or too worn out? Are there any rattlings you hear?
Taking ownership over your instrument and keeping it working well for you goes a long way.
Let us know if this video helped! We’ve been making cello lesson videos for a few months now, and there are over a dozen lessons to help you learn this wonderful instrument.
It can be challenging, but a most helpful and rewarding experience. Justin Lepard is your cello teacher. He is an accomplished cellist in LA, playing with a wide variety of musical groups and having solos in many films including Togo on Disney+ and The Invisible Man.
Whatever problems you encounter, with posture, fingerings, intonation, bowings, repertoire, and more, we have or will have the video to help you on your journey. Be sure to subscribe for all our cello lessons.
For more on Justin, visit www.JustinLepard.com or The Vagabond Cellist on RUclips.
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We hope you enjoyed our video.
We will be waiting for your comments and suggestions!

[@MsCellobass]

Get a Luis and Clark carbon fiber cello😁
I have a box stand for my traditional and that gives me a lot of peace of mind because the it will mitigate less of any extreme humidity or lack there of and will not get bumped over! Of course I have a small dehumidifier if the room its in goes close or over 60% and do put in a dampit snake when we are running central heating in the winter. Living in the south brings about a lot of humidity!

[@ISAIAHTheBook]

Good video,
Could use B Roll footage