It absolutely depends upon the instrument and especially where it is located during the storage time. Having lived in the southeastern United States where tropical storms and their larger meaner cousins inhabit the area periodically, I have witnessed what the dramatic changes in barometric pressure and humidity can do to a stringband. The pitch can raise several semitones, causing many strings to pop. In that case, if people are going to be gone for long, I recommend dropping the pitch a semitone. Bringing strings up a semitone should not cause breaking strings, in my experience, unless there are other issues related to the wire or stringing.
AA
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dongsok Shin" <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Monday, June 20, 2016 9:12:55 AM
Subject: Re: Storing an instrument
Interesting question, and it depends a lot on the instrument. I have
found that Dowd harpsichords in New York City, that goes from cold DRY
winters to hot HUMID summers go up in pitch over a half step when the
seasons change. So the result can be broken strings. Perhaps, if you
live in an area like that, then it would be wise. But if seasonal
differences are not extreme as they are here, then I don't see why you
should do this. You are just as likely to break strings when pulling
them back up to pitch.
Dongsok
On 6/20/2016 7:57 AM, George Debono wrote:
> Dear Colloeagues, need a spot of advice:
>
> If an instrument is stored for weeks or months & not played pending
> removal to another location, should the strings be slackened ?
>
> I think not but maybe I'm wrong?
>
> George
>
> (from hot sunny Malta)
>
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