leedevens

While I have repaired many water damaged instruments brought to me after they were dry, I have been brought a violin that has been out in the Seattle weather for the last 6 months.  It was stolen, then evidently stashed under some bushes and never seen until the shrubs were trimmed near where it was stolen. It was in its good quality, but fabric case, so not directly soaking but is wet, covered in condensation.The case is moldy inside but the violin is not yet.  It has not been pulled apart by string tension, which I have loosened. Right now I have the violin in some paper bags, in a cool area, hoping to slow the drying out process.  I am tempted to open the seams, but that might increase the chance of deformation.  Any thoughts on best approach to letting it dry out, and how many weeks or months to give it.  The owner is in Vienna for a year or two so there is no urgency.

Any thoughts out there?