Caring for instruments in Sri Lanka's climate
Humidity, heat and dust do more damage to instruments here than anything else. A few habits prevent most problems.
Humidity
- Keep wooden instruments such as guitars, violins and veena in their case when you're not playing, especially during the monsoon.
- Put a few silica gel sachets in the case and replace them when they're saturated.
- Don't store instruments against an outside wall, in a bathroom or next to the kitchen.
Heat and sun
- Never leave an instrument in a parked car. The heat can loosen glue and warp wood.
- Keep instruments out of direct sunlight and away from air-conditioner vents blowing straight at them.
Strings and keys
- Wipe strings with a dry cloth after playing. Sweat and humidity make them rust quickly.
- Cover keyboards and harmoniums with a dust cover, and clean keys with a barely damp cloth, never spray.
Tabla and drums
Skin heads react to humidity. Store tabla with their cushions, away from damp floors, and don't over-tighten drum heads in dry air-conditioned rooms.
When to bring it in
If you notice buzzing, cracks, a lifting bridge, sticky keys or strings that won't stay in tune, bring the instrument in early. Small problems are cheaper to fix.