The relationship between Guqin maintenance and humidity

The relationship between Guqin maintenance and humidity


Release Time:

2020-06-11

The guqin, a type of zither, is now a fairly common musical instrument. Because it is a wooden instrument, its maintenance, daily carrying, and protection are important considerations. So, how should a guqin be cared for?
The guqin is a semi-closed lacquered instrument. The interior is unlacquered to allow for a clearer tone. However, this means that nearly half of the guqin's wooden body is directly exposed to the air. Wood cells have the property of expanding with moisture and contracting when dry; they are highly absorbent and prone to cracking from dryness. They are greatly affected by the ambient humidity. This is the main reason for cracks and warping (arching or sagging) in the guqin. Arched backs cause the soundboard to be too close to the strings, leading to buzzing and muted sounds; sagging makes it difficult to press the strings.
The guqin should be kept in an environment that avoids excessive dryness or humidity. Both extremes significantly affect stringed instruments; improper maintenance can lead to warping or cracking. During the northern winter heating season, the instrument is in an unnatural environment. When the temperature is below 20°C, the humidity should be kept above 35%; when the temperature is around 24°C, the humidity should be above 50%; and when the temperature is around 28°C, the humidity should be above 60%. The ideal humidity for preserving wooden instruments is 55%.
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