COLD AND DAMP

[biscuit]

I am going hunting in Ohio for a week in a lodge but it is cold and damp most of the time. I take my guitar with no problem so far. Should my mando be ok? I take better care of my mando than my guitar. WHAT CAN i SAY.

[biscuit]

Iguess this is a dumb question sorry

[Bob DeVellis]

Certainly, a relatively new mandolin should do fine as long as it's not subjected to sudden temperature or humidity changes. An older one should also be okay if it's allowed to acclimate gradually to the cold/humid environment and then again to the drier, warmer environment. If it's cool enough for condensation to form on the surface of the instrument, I'd be concerned. Beware of circumstances where there is cool, humid ambient conditions and a strong heat source (like a wood stove or camp fire). Those extremes can really do a job on an instrument. The more structurally sound the instrument and the more intact the finish, the better you'll do under moderate conditions but even a new instrument shouldn't be exposed to sitting in the cold and damp and then being dragged over by the fire for playing.

[biscuit]

Thanks for your help bobd.

[John Craton]

It's also worth mentioning (though for most it's a no-brainer) that you should keep the instrument case out of direct sunlight while traveling in your car. We learn from our mistakes, and I once made a trip to Nashville with my violin in an un-airconditioned car. I stoppoed briefly for lunch and forgot to cover the instrument case. When I arrived in Nashville I found my lovely 1861 Baldantoni in pieces! Glue will melt in high temperatures, and even in the fall the sun coming through a car window can reach critical temperatures for instruments. It's always a good idea never to leave kids, pets, or instruments in a locked car.