Humidity

[mike_s]

I have a Morse C/G Anglo. It lives in a humidity controlled room with about 40-45 percent humidity.  Normal humidity here is in the 30 percent range.  We make frequent week long trips to the coast in our RV where humidity can reach 100 percent, in addition to occasional trips to the tropics.   I have been reluctant to take the Morse on any of these jaunts due to these high humidity situations.   My question is will I do damage to the innards if I take it or should I buy a beater for these trips.  I normally take a guitar or mandolin but due to thumb arthritis that’s no longer in the cards.  Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

thanks,

Mike

[Ken_Coles]

I have been playing my Morse Ceili (serial number 36) in every kind of weather and humidity for 24 years now, and variation in humidity has never been an issue. It is definitely a durable instrument. I wouldn't worry about a trip to the coast.

 

Ken

[Wally Carroll]

Accordion reeded instruments, like the Morse, are less at risk in this kind of situation. Vintage style instruments  have reed shoes that are imbedded in the wood and which are held in place by friction. This can result in notes becoming loose or too tight depending on which way the humidity goes.  I don’t think I would be concerned in your case. 

[mike_s]

Cool!  Thanks a lot.  Much appreciated 

 

Mike

[David Lay]

I suggest that one should have two concerns regarding humidity.  The first is the fact that wood expands and contracts with humidity and if constrained, can crack.  My Morse ESB has a laminated face and pans of plywood making most larger components stable.  Still, there are solid wood components which could move, so I think it best to be cautious.  I keep my concertina in a case with a humidity monitor and a Boveda or D'Addario Humidipak when I am not playing it.  I monitor the humidity and aim to keep it between 40 and 60% at "room temperature".  The second concern regards corrosion of the reed tongues.  I suggest that this risk is greatest when the concertina is stored in a cool or cold place and then brought into a humid environment causing condensation to form on cold surfaces.  Here in New England, spring weather can bring cool nights and foggy mornings.  I have seen walls soaked with moisture when extreme.  Therefore, I suggest that you make certain that you warm your concertina to a temperature above the ambient Dew Point Temperature before taking it out.  

Note that wood movement from absorption of moisture varies by wood species and is proportionate to the size of the piece.  Movement is greater in the direction perpendicular to the wood grain.

Edited May 1 by David Lay

[Ryan Galamb]

13 hours ago, Wally Carroll said:

Accordion reeded instruments, like the Morse, are less at risk in this kind of situation. Vintage style instruments  have reed shoes that are imbedded in the wood and which are held in place by friction. This can result in notes becoming loose or too tight depending on which way the humidity goes.  I don’t think I would be concerned in your case. 

 

@Wally Carroll I'm curious to hear more about this. I've been playing a clover (accordion reeded iiuc) outside in summer heat/humidity on a regular basis for years. (I'm in a pirate band, so it's unavoidable.)

 

I'm about to invest in a new concertina, and was hoping to get one with vintage style reeds.

 

Will it be a problem to play full-day festivals in the humidity with the vintage instrument on weekends, even if I have an air-conditioned hotel room to return to?

 

---

 

Regarding the original question: I'd echo the point about a humidity-controlled case. Based off my experience, you should be fine to have it out all day for trips. But I'd worry about the prolonged exposure since you're in an RV that (presumably) has limited humidity control.

 

Also, traveling with your concertina exposes it to many more risks than just the humidity. So if you need your concertina in tip-top shape for performances, it may be prudent to invest in a beater or a backup regardless. (For me, the instrument exists to be played, so I'm fine with those risks. But everyone's risk tolerance/priorities are different.)

Edited May 1 by Ryan Galamb
spelling

[David Lay]

The weather is so varied now that you should also protect your concertina from heat.  This is especially true because your Morse has waxed-in reeds.  If the wax is what's typical for accordions, others have reported reeds coming loose while playing at 95 degrees F.  If you had it in the summer sun or left it in your car.....

Edited May 1 by David Lay

[Wally Carroll]

8 hours ago, Ryan Galamb said:

 

@Wally Carroll I'm curious to hear more about this. I've been playing a clover (accordion reeded iiuc) outside in summer heat/humidity on a regular basis for years. (I'm in a pirate band, so it's unavoidable.)

 

I'm about to invest in a new concertina, and was hoping to get one with vintage style reeds.

 

Will it be a problem to play full-day festivals in the humidity with the vintage instrument on weekends, even if I have an air-conditioned hotel room to return to?

 

It may or may not be a problem. A vintage instrument is just more prone to certain types of problems because of how it is constructed. I’ve had mine outside with no problems but there is always a risk.  Knowing how to quickly (5 min) reseat and shim a loose note is a useful skill for a vintage style owner.  I’d bring the Morse as a backup in case of an emergency and fix the new one during a break. 

Edited May 1 by Wally Carroll