Whether you’re earning a living through music, or you’re simply passionate about your hobby, it pays to protect the most important object in your musical journey: your instrument.
In some cases, musical instruments can fail very gradually. The strings on your guitar might become dull and stiff over time, for example. In other cases, the failure can be more sudden and dramatic. The strings might suddenly snap, midway through a gig-defining solo.
Success as a musician means being able to cope with these problems, and treating your instrument to the care and maintenance it needs to produce the most pleasant possible sound. Learning to replace the strings is just the start!
The case
Investing in a good case is a must, particularly if you’re going to be touring. The people who handle your baggage on the average commercial airliner might not be as careful as you are. Look for a hard case that’s sized for your instrument. In many cases, you can buy these ready-to-go. Where you can’t, it’s worth spending a few hundred pounds on something bespoke – or making something bespoke yourself!
Care and maintenance
Your hands produce a steady supply of oils, which can harm your instrument. Thus, cleaning is essential. For brass and woodwind instruments, this might mean looking up a special cleaning solution.
Climate control
Wooden instruments in particular are prone to warping if they’re left in an environment that’s too damp. A similar level of caution is appropriate in the case of synthesizers and other electronic instruments. If you’re keeping your instrument in the loft for extended periods of time (perhaps while using another one to practice with), then this might be an ongoing concern. Look at humidity monitors and other devices to stay on top of the problem.
Financial protection
Musical instruments are expensive things. You’ll therefore want to ensure that you’re covered in the case of a sudden loss. Fortunately, it’s possible to find a range of specialised musical instrument insurance products that variously cover damage, theft, and other forms of loss. If you’re keeping your drum kit overnight in a van, then this is almost a requirement.
Staying on top of new developments
The world of music technology is constantly providing new innovations – and some of these concern maintenance and security. Stay on top of trends, and you might discover a new product that’s able to make life more convenient and secure. If you’re an active member of an online community, then things might be even easier!
