Caring for Your Instrument as Summer Turns to Autumn
As we move from the long, hazy days of summer into the crisp air of autumn, many musicians notice their instruments behaving a little differently. Wood is a living material, constantly responding to its environment, and the change in season can bring both subtle and dramatic shifts in how a violin, viola, or cello feels to play. With a little extra care, you can help your instrument adjust to the new conditions and avoid seasonal frustrations.
One of the biggest changes between summer and autumn is the drop in humidity. Summer air is often heavy with moisture, especially in the UK, but autumn tends to be drier. This change might not seem dramatic to us, but to an instrument it can be significant. Too much moisture in the air can cause the wood to swell and seams to open, while drier conditions may lead to pegs slipping or the tone sounding thinner than usual. Keeping the inside of your case stable makes all the difference: a simple humidifier or even silica gel packs (depending on where you live and store your instrument) can help protect against sudden swings in humidity.
Pegs are often the first place players notice seasonal changes. In summer, when the air is heavy, pegs can become tight and difficult to move. Once the drier autumn air sets in, the opposite often happens: pegs may slip unexpectedly, leaving you struggling to stay in tune. If this becomes a regular problem, peg paste or a professional adjustment can help enormously. It’s always best to avoid forcing them—gentle, steady pressure is much safer for both the peg and the pegbox.
The varnish also deserves extra attention at this time of year. Autumn often brings a mixture of damp mornings and sudden rain showers. Keeping a soft cloth tucked into your case is a simple but effective precaution, letting you wipe away moisture before it has a chance to seep into the varnish or fittings. If you’re travelling, remember that bubble wrap or plastic should never rest directly on varnish, as it can cause damage surprisingly quickly. Wrapping your instrument in silk or acid-free tissue paper before adding padding is a much safer option.
Strings, too, are affected by the change in temperature. You may notice your instrument drifting out of tune more often as the wood adjusts to the cooler air. Try to make small, gradual adjustments rather than big twists on the pegs—this helps protect the bridge and reduces the chance of a soundpost shift. If you’re already thinking of changing strings, early autumn is a good time, giving them a chance to settle before the busier months of winter concerts and exams.
Finally, autumn is an excellent time to schedule a workshop check-up. Just as many of us use September as a fresh start, your instrument can benefit from a little seasonal care too. A luthier can make sure seams are secure, fittings are working smoothly, and the setup is in good condition before the colder months bring their own challenges. At our Billinghay workshop, we offer a full range of services to keep instruments playing their best. If you can’t visit us in person, instruments and bows can also be sent to us by post, provided they’re carefully packaged and sent at the owner’s risk.
The change from summer to autumn is a beautiful one, full of new energy and fresh beginnings. With some simple care and a little extra attention, your instrument can embrace the season as smoothly as you do—ready to carry you through the months ahead with a sound that’s both stable and inspiring.