How to Store a Ukulele
Musical instruments come in all shapes and sizes, but regardless of the type or size of the instrument, they all need proper handling and care. To store a ukulele or "uke," the musician must take care concerning the humidity and temperature of the storage area. The type of wood, the method of storage and the length of time stored can all affect the well-being of the uke. Ultimately, by taking care to respond to the smaller factors influencing your ukulele, you can properly store it without risk of wear or damage.
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Things You'll Need
- Hard-shell ukulele case
- Plastic bag
- Soft high-fiber cloth
- Guitar polish
- Ukulele humidifier
- Wall hanger or floor stand
Instructions
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Storing a ukulele
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1
Remove the strings of the ukulele. For long-term storage, remove all of the ukulele's strings. Using the tuning pegs, decrease the tension of the strings until you can easily uncoil them off the head stock machines. Removing the strings decreases tension on the neck and allows the ukulele to keep its natural shape. Coil the strings into four circular shapes and store them in a plastic baggy.
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2
Wipe down the instrument. Use a soft cloth and a guitar cleaner polish to wipe down the body, headstock, fret board and neck. "Let's Play Ukulele" by Ukulele Puapua recommends using a "mild guitar gloss." (See References 1) The 2010 price for guitar polish ranges from $3 to $16.
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3
Purchase a hard-shell ukulele case. Using a hard-shell case helps keep the body and neck from warping. In 2010, the price for a hard shell ukulele case ranges from $39.99 to $69.99.
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Purchase a ukulele humidifier at any music store or website. The humidifier keeps the body of the ukulele from cracking. Place the humidifier in the case with your ukulele and periodically check the humidifier's water level. The article "Maintaining Relative Humidity Levels for Ukuleles" asserts, "Most experts recommend a 'relative humidity' (RH) target range between 45%-55%." (See References 2) The 2010 price for a ukulele humidifier costs $4.95 to $17.00.
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5
Hang the ukulele on a wall-mounted neck or floor stand, if you intend to keep it indoors at a steady temperature. A room humidifier will ensure that the uke does not crack or warp. Keep the instrument in its hard-shell case when travelling. "Safe Air Travel with your Uke" recommends, "You should do everything you can to keep your ukulele out of airport baggage handling. " (See References 3)
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Tips & Warnings
The plastic packaging that your strings came in makes a great storage bag.
Do not store your ukelele near a heater or air conditioner.
References
- Photo Credit tuning the ukulele image by Shirley Hirst from Fotolia.com
