Protect Your Guitar & Violin in Florida Humidity: Cases, RH Packs & Post-Storm Checks

Florida air is beautiful for beaches—and brutal for wooden instruments. High humidity can swell wood, lift seams, raise action, rust strings, and throw your tuning out fast. This guide shows exactly how to protect guitars and violins (and violas) in Florida with the right case, simple RH packs, and a post-storm checklist you can run in 5 minutes.

At B Amazing Music, our background-checked instructors teach one-on-one in your home across Winter Garden, Windermere, Lake Buena Vista, Ocoee, Clermont, and Apopka—and we’ll help you dial in humidity and setup during lessons.

Quick Answer (screenshot this)

• Target humidity: 40–50% RH around your instrument (short excursions 35–55% are okay).
• Storage: Hard case closed and latched when not playing; elevate off the floor.
• RH control: Use case humidifier/dehumidifier packs (swap monthly or when indicator says).
• Placement: Keep away from windows, exterior doors, direct sun, and A/C vents.
• Storm plan: Case + latch, add RH packs, elevate 2–4", photo serial number, unplug nearby electronics.
• After storms: Let the room stabilize, then do the post-storm checks below.

Why Florida Humidity Hurts Instruments

• Wood swell → higher action, buzzes, intonation drift
• Glue creep/open seams (violins/violins) → rattles, tone loss
• Metal corrosion → rusty strings, tuners, screws
• Case “sauna” if sealed wet → mold, finish clouding

The cure is stable RH and good habits.

Best Storage: Case vs. Stand (and Where to Put It)

Use a case if: the room fluctuates a lot, you’re traveling, or a storm is coming.
Use a stand if: you practice daily in a room that stays near 40–50% RH and out of sun/vents.

Room placement tips

• Pick an interior wall.
• Avoid direct sun and A/C blasts (both swing RH fast).
• Add a room hygrometer; check morning and evening the first week.

RH Packs & Accessories (What to Use, When)

• Case humidifier/dehumidifier packs: Balanced 2-way packs help keep ~45–50% RH inside the case.
• Silica gel/desiccant: Use during very wet weeks or pre-storm; rotate or recharge as directed.
• Soundhole/peg-box humidifiers: For dry spells or A/C overuse (less common in FL, but happens indoors).
• Mini dehumidifier (room): Great for closets or practice rooms that creep over 60–65% RH for long periods.

Rule of thumb: If room RH is >60% for more than a day, add desiccant or 2-way packs to the case and keep the instrument latched between sessions.

Guitar: Daily & Monthly Care

Daily (2 minutes)

• Wipe strings and fretboard after playing.
• Latch the case or place on a stable stand away from sun/vents.
• Quick hygrometer glance (room or case).

Monthly (or strings change)

• Check neck relief & action; if action suddenly rises, humidity is likely high.
• Inspect bridge/saddle for lifting; check tuners for rust.
• Replace or recharge RH packs/desiccant.

Violin/Viola: Daily & Monthly Care

Daily

• Wipe strings and top (remove rosin dust).
• Loosen bow hair slightly before case.
• Keep shoulder rest in the case; latch closed.

Monthly

• Inspect seams (especially lower bouts) for hairline gaps.
• Check bridge: should be upright, feet flush; adjust if leaning.
• Replace RH packs; peek at silica gel indicators.

Hurricane Prep: 10-Minute Checklist (Copy/Paste)

• □ Case & latch instrument; add 2-way RH packs (or desiccant if RH is already high).
• □ Elevate the case 2–4" off floor (shelves, blocks, or closet organizer).
• □ Interior room away from windows/exterior walls.
• □ Photos: front/back, serial number, any unique marks; email the album to yourself.
• □ Nearby electronics unplugged; cables coiled in a labeled bag.
• □ If evacuating: take one instrument per person max; pack tuner, spare strings, small cloth, RH pack.

Do not wrap the case in plastic directly—use a breathable cloth first if you need a dust/drip layer.

Post-Storm Checks (5 Minutes)

1. Room first: Let RH settle to 40–50% for 24–48 hours if power was out.
2. Exterior: Look for finish clouding, lifted seams (violins), bridge lift (guitars), or rust.
3. Playability: Sudden high action, fret buzz, or sticking pegs = RH shift.
4. Smell test: Musty case? Open and air in a dry room; replace packs and wipe surfaces.
5. Action still off? Book a pro setup once RH is stable—don’t force tuners or pegs.

Troubleshooting (Fast Fixes)

• Strings feel sticky / intonation drifts: Install fresh strings, wipe down after each play, and keep RH ~45%.
• Guitar neck bowed/high action: Don’t crank the truss rod yourself—stabilize RH for a week, then call a tech.
• Violin pegs slipping: Humidify the case slightly; re-seat pegs with gentle inward pressure while tuning.
• Light mold smell in case: Sun-free airing in a dry room; replace packs; if persistent, consult a pro for case cleaning.

FAQ

Should I loosen strings for a storm?
For short events, no. Keep normal tension; prioritize case + RH control + elevation.

Is a gig bag enough in Florida?
For daily carry, yes—but for storage and storms, a hard case protects better from knocks and moisture changes.

Can I keep my guitar/violin on a wall hanger?
Only if the room stays near 40–50% RH and away from sun/vents. Case storage is safer during wet weeks.

How often should I replace RH packs?
Check monthly. Replace when they feel hard/dry or indicator cards show they’re saturated.

Want help humidity-proofing your setup at home?

During your first lesson, we’ll set safe placement, choose RH packs, and build a simple maintenance schedule—then keep your guitar or violin playing its best year-round.