Where to put the violin in a cab/car

August 24, 2005 at 03:43 PM · It's not a dumb question at all; it's a very good one. I don't know exactly what exact temperatures are a problem, though I do avoid leaving my instrument in the car for any real period of time (over 5-10 minutes if possible) when I'm not there. This article (from my luthier) seems to answer these questions pretty directly, and is short and worth a read:

http://www.martinsviolinshop.com/handmade_tips.php

August 29, 2005 at 01:10 AM · Consider just keeping your instrument with you. I wouldn't ever leave mine in the car unless the temperature was comfortable... and even then... I feel better having it with me.

If you're comfortable.. your instrument will be also.

Treat your instrument with respect... and it will behave well. :)

Have fun with your music!

Katie

http://www.folkfiddle.com

August 29, 2005 at 01:34 AM · I never put mine under the wheels or under the hood beside the engine.

August 29, 2005 at 02:11 AM · Mine was in the trunk of the car when it flipped several times on ice. It did just fine. The violin, I mean. Don't worry.

August 29, 2005 at 02:15 AM · Wow what was that like?

August 29, 2005 at 02:29 AM · Like being the sock suspended in the center of a side-loading dryer at the laundromat.

August 29, 2005 at 02:32 AM · Except you weren't dry when it stopped?

August 29, 2005 at 02:40 AM · No, I was covered in glass. The violin kept its tune. Neither of us were belted in.

August 29, 2005 at 03:03 AM · How many drinks had the driver had?

August 29, 2005 at 03:47 AM · She was an Okie on ice. No alcohol needed. Let this be a lesson to all of you, never buckle your seat belt, and the trunk is always the best place for your violin.

(disclaimer: Emily's spicy comments are to be taken with salt).

August 29, 2005 at 03:04 AM · Glad you're ok.

August 29, 2005 at 03:29 AM · I put mine behind the driver's and passenger's seat and the back seat.

August 29, 2005 at 10:33 AM · I've often left far too many instruments on the floor in the back seat with any old junk on top. Windows cracked a bit. Sun shade. Not ideal. Wrapped in insulating materials in the trunk probably good, too.

August 30, 2005 at 05:53 AM · While driving, I keep my fiddle in the back seat. When out of the car, I always (well, almost) take it with me. I have a strap that my grandpa made for me strung to the case, so I can just slip it over my shoulder. If I'm not going to be long, I put it on the floor of the back seat with a light blanket over it -- I have big car windows... I just get a little nervous leaving out of my sight for any length of time!

And, I've had family and friends berate me a little ("Ohh, why are you taking that thing inside with you?... People will stare!...") But, I figure, hey, I'm a proud violinist; let them stare! ;)

August 30, 2005 at 11:09 AM · Hi,

while driving, put it in the trunk or in the space behind the front and back seats.

When leaving your car, take the instrument with you or - a very distant second - put the violin case in the trunk.

As a square dance caller, I work with vinyl records (yeah, the old black ones with a hole in the middle). They cannot take much heat, either, and I keep my record case in the trunk of my car, as far forward as possible. During the last 15 years, I've had no trouble with that, but Germany doesn't suffer from too much sunshine.

Bye, Juergen

August 31, 2005 at 04:52 AM · For me this is not an issue because I have no idea how to play while driving. Eat...sure; cell phone, sex...even all three at the same time is possible in light traffic, but none require steering with one's knees, as would manipulating violin and bow. Of course, left-hand pizzicato is manageable though awkward. Maybe take the bus and earn some spare change at the same time. I hope this wasn't too technical.

And by the way, a violin will be most damaged at the temperature at which it bursts into flame. Unfortuneatley this can only be ascertained through trial and error.

August 31, 2005 at 05:20 AM · LOL! =)