Hints on Preventing Cracking

A Sponge In Time

Heat is the biggest environmental killer of harps but right behind heat comes dry. Low humidity, especially in heavily air­conditioned dry climates, is terrible both for human skin and for harps. (See "Hot, Cold, Wet, Dry"). One of the easiest ways to afford a harp some additional protection in low humidity is to raise just the local humidity either right around or inside your harp. An open fish bowl right next to a harp will help to some degree, as long as the water is free to evaporate. Another simple idea is to find a full­size travel soap dish. Cut the top off. Then, cut a sponge to fit inside the bottom half. Get the sponge wet and place the whole thing inside the back of your harp (on the floor of the harp). Remember to check the sponge often to be sure that it does not go dry. If you normally live in a more humid area but are taking your harp with you into a dry region, use the travel soap dish idea but keep the lid. When you are getting ready to put your harp back into its bag, wring out the sponge and snap the lid of the soap dish closed. This will prevent water from draining out of the sponge while the harp is traveling. Regardless of your efforts, if the humidity in a home is below 5 percent for any significant amount of time, every stick of wood in your home will suffer, including your harp. After all, trees aren't found in deserts for a reason! Purchase a humidifier.

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