Ultraviolet, or U.V. light, for short, can cause the wood and varnish on a violin to degrade. U.V. light can irreversibly degrade wood fibers, and change the structural and thus acoustic integrity of the sound.

It is essential that you keep your violin protected from U.V. or direct sunlight.

U.V. Degradation of Violin

The repeated process of U.V. light exposure and degradation can cause a violin, especially an old or vintage one, irreparable and irreversible damage.

Store and Place Violin Away from U.V. Light

As a consequence, it is best to store the violin, even in its case, away from direct sunlight, close to a window, and in a relatively shaded place. If a violin is out of its case, try to avoid resting it near windows, even indoors. Especially avoid open windows. This is imperative for the safety of your instrument, and the longevity of its sound.

Check Windows for U.V. Protection

One can even check, using a flame or a flashlight, to see if your windows have U.V. protection. This may come by way of Low-e coating. Low-e coated glass minimizes the amount and degree of U.V. light can pass through. Low-e coated glass will show the image of a doubled flame or flashlight glow for a single pane of glass, and four or quadrupled fames or flashlight glows for double insulated glass – one pair per sheet of glass.

One should avoid playing the violin in direct sunlight, or out of doors, especially if the instrument is expensive. Try to play in the shade at all times, and keep your violin safely in its case, when it is not in use.

By Orion Music and Arts, Cambridge, MA, 2023-2024

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