Mandolin Care & Maintenance
Carved-top mandolins are built from thin pieces of solid wood that respond to their environment.
Basic care comes down to controlling humidity, avoiding temperature extremes, and keeping the instrument clean.
Humidity
Humidity is the most important factor in maintaining a solid wood instrument.
Try to keep your mandolin between 45-55% relative humidity. Too dry and the wood can crack or the top can sink. Too wet causes swelling and playability problems.
A small digital hygrometer lets you monitor the humidity level in your case.
For dry climates, or during heating season, use a case humidifier like the Oasis OH-6 case humidifier.
Store the mandolin in its case when not playing, as a closed case holds humidity better than an open room.
Signs of low humidity include:
- Sharp fret ends protruding past the fingerboard
- Sunken top
- Buzzing or rattling from low action
- Raised grain pattern on the top
- Cracks in the finish or wood
Temperature
Avoid storing your Northfield in extreme heat or cold. Generally speaking, if you're comfortable, your mandolin is comfortable.
Never leave your mandolin in a car, especially the trunk. Summer heat can soften glue joints; winter cold combined with low humidity can cause cracks.
Avoid rapid temperature changes. If transporting in cold weather, let the case warm up gradually before opening.
Keep out of direct sunlight.
Cleaning
Wipe down the instrument with a soft, dry cloth after playing to remove sweat and oils. A microfiber cloth works well. I recommend storing the cloth in a resealable plastic bag and replacing it periodically since even a small bit of debris can scratch the finish.
For stubborn grime, a slightly damp cloth is fine. Avoid polishing products on satin/matte finish models like the F5S, as they can buff the finish and create uneven shiny spots.
Don't use furniture polish, household cleaners, or anything containing silicone.
Questions?
Contact me at sean@drycreekmusic.com if you have questions about caring for your instrument.