Instrument maintenance can be expensive, but the good news is that your instrument’s maintenance needs can be reduced if the conditions of keeping are suitable. Here are a few things to pay attention to:

• -Protection against dust and dirt – if your instrument has a case, keep it in the case whenever you are not playing it. If possible, use double casing, a softer, interior case and a sturdier external one;
• -Humidity – both excess moisture in the air and air that is too dry can ruin your instrument, so make sure that the humidity in the room where you keep your instrument is right, not too high, but not too low either;
• -Sunshine – exposure to harsh sunshine is also very harmful for musical instruments, so make sure you don’t expose yours to harsh, direct solar radiation;
• -Temperature variations – excessive heat, excessively low temperatures and quick temperature changes are also to be avoided;
• -Transport the instrument in safety – instruments are sensitive to impact, so make sure that yours does not get damaged during transport;
• -Handle your instrument with clean hands – musical instruments don’t like dirt either, so make sure your hands are clean whenever you handle them.

Check with local musical retailers for additional information on how to keep your kettledrum timpani in good condition.