Rocky Mountain Summer Conservatory

Dear String Player:

As you prepare for the trip to Steamboat Springs for your summer at Rocky Mountain Summer Conservatory, it is important to think about protecting your instrument, both during the trip itself and during your time in Steamboat Springs. The unusually low humidity in Steamboat Springs means that your instrument must acclimate to the dry environment. Please take the time to read and follow these simple suggestions to help prevent needless damage to your stringed instrument.

Packing Your Instrument

Lower the strings by about one whole step when packing your instrument for travel. As the temperature rises and the humidity drops, great stresses are placed on the instrument and the pitch can rise, thus creating the risk of cracking.
Wrap or pack the instrument in the case. There should a minimum of free play, but the instrument should not be so tightly wrapped so as to produce pressure when the case is closed. Never use any type of polyurethane bubble pack, plastic foam or plastic sponge material. These materials can bond to the instrument, or the imprint can come off on the varnish.

Travel by Car
If you are driving in the hot sun, the entire case should be covered with a Mylar emergency "space blanket." This material can be purchased for about five dollars at camping or sporting goods stores and is the best possible protection available. It is acceptable to keep a well-wrapped instrument in the trunk when the car is moving, but never for more than a few minutes when the car is stopped.

Air Travel
If you are shipping a cello in an airplane baggage compartment, it is recommended that you pad the area under the fingerboard with clothes or towels. Also wrap the tailpiece and tuners thoroughly to guard against damage should the instrument be bumped and cause the bridge and/or fingerboard to fall off.

In Steamboat... Use a Dampit
Once in Steamboat Springs, your instrument will begin to react to the loss of humidity. It is recommended that instruments be kept at 50-52% relative humidity; in Steamboat Springs, however, the average humidity is only 25%, and there are wide variations. Most instruments will be coming form more humid climates, such as New York or St. Louis where there is about 80% relative humidity. Consequently, your instrument will need to be humidified in order to prevent cracking, warping and glue failure.

The best way to properly humidify your instrument while in Steamboat Springs is to use a Dampit. Note that Dampits must be used properly in order to be effective. That means they must be checked regularly and filled diligently - in Steamboat Springs this could mean twice a day. Dampits are ineffective if permitted to remain dry for periods of time; in fact, the instrument is placed at far greater risk of damage than if it were not humidified at all. Also, if overfilled, water can seep into the instrument, loosening the glue joints and ruining the label.

Soundpost Adjustments
The body of the instrument will be shrinking slightly from loss of moisture; if the soundpost is not adjusted, it can become too tight, and result in a soundpost crack. If you have an older instrument, and are coming from a humid climate, you should have your soundpost checked and/or adjusted.

Here's to a safe and healthy summer!

Sincerely,

Ernest Richardson
Artistic Director & CEO