I am fairly new to all of this music stuff, but I have a question that I need answered. I was wondering what a good way to store a Viola would be. I am supposed to be doing a lot of traveling and may not be able to take my instrument with me. I was wondering what, if any, ways are good to store and instrument that may not be played for an extended amount of time (around 6 months or so). Would humidity be a concern? Should I just leave it with someone who could watch it for me? (which is what I may end up doing)

Thanks in advance.

i would get a case that has a installed dehumidifier and a humidifier these are usually very expensive but if you travel alot i would get one they run about 600-800 dollars

If you store for 6 months, the case wont't help you. Just put it in a fairly stable environment. No sun, not next to a heat reigster or air outlet etc.

Too bad to go without for 6 months.

Well, I just ordered the instrument and it should be here tomorrow. It's true that it is too bad for having to leave it for 6 months, but the military said I have to go to Afghanistan. I thought about taking it but during the summer over there, it can get into the 100's easy. I've heard reports of it getting into 120's or so. Probably not the best environment. Plus, since I'm new to the viola, I don't want harm to come to my first one either.

I do have another question... Should the strings be loose and have the bridge and soundpost laying down or does that cause the instrument to go bad? I'm guessing best to leave it set up, and have someone look at it to make sure nothing is wrong when I return. How does that sound?

Thanks

You took out the sound post!!!!!!!!!!!!!
there a pain to get back in