Post-Storm Instrument Check in 5 Minutes: Piano, Guitar & Violin

Storm passed, power’s back—now what? Before you play, run this 5-minute check to catch humidity issues early and avoid costly damage. Works for piano, guitar, and violin/viola (plus quick notes for cello).

At B Amazing Music, our background-checked teachers coach one-on-one in your home across Winter Garden, Windermere, Lake Buena Vista, Ocoee, Clermont, and Apopka. We’ll help stabilize humidity, inspect for risk spots, and get you making music again—you’ll love your teacher, or we’ll make it right.

Quick Answer (screenshot this)

• Let the room settle near RH 40–50% for a day if you lost A/C.
• Look–touch–listen: 60-second visual scan → gentle feel test → quick tuning check.
• Red flags now: swollen keys, stuck action, lifted bridges/seams, warped necks, moldy case smell.
• Do not crank truss rods, force tight pegs, or power through sticky keys. Stabilize first, then service.

5 Minutes, Step by Step

Use your phone timer. If you find a red flag, stop and move to the “What to do next” section.

0:00–1:00 — Room & Case

• Hygrometer: Note RH % (goal 40–50%).
• Placement: Instrument away from windows/vents; case dry to the touch.
• Smell check: Musty = moisture trapped. Air the case open in a dry room.

1:00–2:00 — Piano (upright or grand)

• Keys: Depress each key lightly. Sticking or sluggish? Mark the range.
• Action feel: Play pp→mp; listen for uneven response or clicks.
• Cabinet: Look for finish clouding or water tracks; confirm lid/bench are dry.

2:00–3:00 — Guitar (acoustic/electric)

• Neck relief: Fret 1 & last fret on low E; gap at 7–8th should be tiny but visible. No gap/bowed big? Note it.
• Action change: Does it feel suddenly high or buzzy?
• Bridge/saddle & top: Look for lifting, ripples, or sharp fret ends (humidity swings).

3:00–4:00 — Violin/Viola (Cello similar)

• Seams: Inspect ribs/edges for hairline openings.
• Bridge: Is it upright—not leaning? Feet flush?
• Pegs: Turn gently. Slipping or locking? Note behavior.

4:00–5:00 — Quick Tune & Play

• Piano: Tune app not needed—play C major scale slowly. Waves/chorusing across the range = RH drift (normal after storms).
• Guitar/Violin: Tune up; play open strings then a slow scale. Won’t hold tune? Humidity likely still shifting.

What to Do Next (Fast Fixes)

If RH is still high (>60% for a day)

• Room: Run A/C or a dehumidifier; close door/curtains.
• Case: Add 2-way RH packs or desiccant; latch when not playing.

Piano

• Sticky keys / uneven action: Keep lid closed, run the room to 45–50% RH for 48–72 hours. Most minor stickiness resolves. If not, call a tech—don’t pry keys.
• Tuning drift: Wait 5–7 days after RH stabilizes, then schedule tuning/regulation.

Guitar

• High action / neck bow: Stabilize RH a week. Do not adjust truss rod immediately after a storm. If relief/action stays off, book a pro setup.
• Rusty strings / sticky feel: Restring and wipe down after each play; keep packs in the case.

Violin/Viola (Cello similar)

• Open seam? Stop playing and case the instrument; a luthier can re-glue safely.
• Leaning bridge: Gently upright with both hands or ask a pro at next visit.
• Slipping pegs: Slightly humidify the case (not the room); re-seat pegs with gentle inward pressure while turning.

Red-Flag Checklist (Call a Pro)

• Piano keys won’t return, or you hear persistent clicks inside.
• Guitar bridge lifting, soundboard ripples, or severe buzz after RH stabilizes.
• Violin seam gaps, collapsed/warped bridge, or pegs frozen solid.
• Visible mold or a strong musty odor that returns after airing and RH control.

Florida-Smart Prevention for Next Time

• Elevate cases 2–4" off the floor; store in an interior room.
• Keep 2-way RH packs in the case year-round; swap when spent.
• Add a digital hygrometer to the room (and one inside stringed-instrument cases).
• For pianos in lively rooms, consider a soundboard humidity system installed by a tech.

FAQ

Should I loosen strings before a storm?
For short events: no. Normal tension + case + RH control is safer.

How soon should I schedule a piano tuning after a storm?
Once your room sits near 45–50% RH for 5–7 days. Tuning earlier often won’t hold.

My violin pegs are slipping. Is that damage?
Usually not—humidity change. Stabilize case RH and re-seat pegs; a luthier can fit/condition pegs if it continues.

Can I keep practicing while RH is high?
Light, short sessions are fine, but avoid loud playing on sticky actions or forcing tight pegs.

Want help stabilizing RH and checking your instrument at home?

We’ll measure your room, set safe placement, choose RH packs, and map a simple care routine—then get back to music.