How Seasonal Climate Shifts Affect Cellos Differently Than Violins and Violas

Everyone knows that instruments are delicate pieces affected by weather and moisture, but how do different climates affect different instruments? 

Seasonal shifts in temperature may send your guitar out of tune or tighten the pegs of a fine violin, but what about cellos? Known for being the larger, more rotund cousin of the violin and viola, cellos are no less susceptible to the seasons. 

So how are they affected differently, and what should you do if you’re a cellist who wants to keep your instrument in the best condition? 

Wood, Humidity, and Fine Stringed Instruments

Just because cellos are larger doesn’t mean they’re any less susceptible to the elements. Most instruments—but especially fine stringed instruments—are made from high-quality woods and other organic materials. These include spruce, maple, and ebony. These are hygroscopic materials, which expand in high humidity and contract during dry weather, especially in winter. 

This is true of all instruments in the violin family, but cellos suffer from this even more due to their larger surface area. Larger pieces of wood expand more during these seasonal fluctuations, making cellos especially vulnerable to smaller changes in humidity. 

What’s more, instruments are not carved out of one continuous piece of wood. Fine instruments can be made of many different types of wood, each with different dimensions, densities, and compositions. A single cello can have a Sitka Spruce belly, a curly maple neck, willow backsides, ebony fingerboards, and a rosewood tailpiece. Fine violins and cellos are traditionally constructed of a small selection of materials. But even with a smaller selection, a fine cello would experience the adverse effects of humidity due to its larger size, even more so given that each section of the instrument contains a different type of wood.

How Cellos Suffer Differently from Violas or Violins

Yes, cellos are larger and have more surface area than their cousins, but what does that matter, and how does it really affect them? 

Cellos have large plates and deep ribs within the body of the instrument. This construction helps give the cello its signature sound profile, but these ribs and faces can also trap and release moisture rapidly. This can put untoward stress on the instrument, which exacerbates other vulnerabilities, such as bridge warping and soundpost drops. 

Another unique factor for the cello is the endpin. This is the metallic or carbon-fiber pin that sticks into the floor and gives the cello its signature silhouette. The pin anchors the instrument to the floor and allows it to be played upright, but it’s also a rigid piece on which all the instrument’s weight rests. If a cello suffers from excess moisture absorption, the instrument’s frame can weaken and put more pressure on the bottom block.

Common Wear and Tear for Cellos, Violins, & Violas

Some of the most common problems violins and violas suffer are seam openings, string buzzing, and peg slippage. Violas and violins are comparatively smaller instruments that are easier to handle and less prone to environmental damage. Frequent upkeep and mindfulness of these instruments’ condition will keep them playing in top performance for years, if not decades. 

Cellos are larger, but not necessarily sturdier. While quality cellos will not fall to pieces at the first sign of stress, in some scenarios, their size only makes them a larger target. 

Some of the most common issues for cellos are rib shrinkage, top cracks, neck angle drops, as well as some of the same problems as violins, like peg slippage and string buzzing. Seam openings can be especially problematic with cellos—as are all issues—since they all appear on a larger scale. That means that repairs are often more expensive, requiring more time, attention, or resources to fix. 

Many of these issues can be minimized or avoided entirely by exercising good care practices for your instrument.

How to Preserve Your Cello from the Climate for Collectors and Orchestral Performers

Humidity is one of wood’s worst and most common enemies. Keep your instruments away from moisture by storing them in a high-quality case and using a room dehumidifier when storing them long-term. During the winter, also pay attention to any changes your cello may be experiencing, such as in the bridge, body, or soundpost. 

If you notice your cello has warped noticeably with the changing season, consider taking it to a luthier or professional cello restorer. If your cello is a hefty investment or a rare collector’s item, you should also consider protection in the form of an appraisal and insurance. Investment-grade instruments often increase in value over time, but only if they are kept in good shape and have the paperwork to prove it. 

If you’re interested in keeping your cello in mint condition, along with the rest of your collection, our trusted luthiers at Clare Givens Violins are here to help. We give certified appraisals, professional repairs, and routine maintenance. 

Get a quote from our workshop at (612) 375-0708 or (800) 279-4323, or see Dipper Restorations at andrew@dipperrestorations.com if you have an instrument you wish to revitalize.