Humidity, Temperature, and Solid Wood Instruments

Humidity, Temperature, and Solid Wood Instruments

As with any high quality, solid wood instrument, humidity and temperature are the most vital variables in the care of your guitar or mandolin. Fortunately, humidity and temperature are easily monitored and regulated with just a little knowledge and a few small investments.

First, establish an environment for the storage of your guitar when not being played. Part of choosing a spot, is to measure that environment’s relative humidity (RH) and temperature in Fahrenheit (F). This can be accomplished by purchasing a Radio Shack™ Indoor Thermal Hygrometer, Cat. No. 63855 (approx. $30-$40) and stationing it in your guitar’s environment. If your hygrometer reads between 40% and 50% RH, you can rest assured that your guitar will be comfortable in its new environment. Bear in mind, RH changes with the weather, so monitor your hygrometer.

If the environment you have chosen is below 40% RH, you will need to invest in a humidifier with variable controls to establish the most desirable level of RH. If the environment you have chosen is above 50% RH, you will need to invest in a dehumidifier with variable controls to achieve optimal RH. Humidifiers and dehumidifiers are available at most department stores for about $125.

If your guitar’s environment is a suitable one, you can transport the instrument into and out of less than desirable conditions without fear of damaging your guitar. Long trips and sustained touring, however, require a bit of preventative care. Avoid exposing your instrument to extreme temperatures like those in your car’s trunk on a hot day or the cargo hold of an airplane. Keep the instrument in an environment of 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

While on the road during periods of dry conditions, to maintain acceptable humidity we suggest that you utilize a simple guitar case humidifier. Do not use a sound hole humidifier. It is very easy to over-humidify your guitar’s body with these devices, which can result in serious damage to your instrument. Keep the neck and the body at the proper humidity and temperature.

Your guitar will alert you to an RH problem before it poses a serious threat to your instrument. Below are some telltale symptoms of improper RH. If your guitar shows symptoms of being over or under humidified, call the Academy @ 765-236-0567 and talk to Gary today.

Over-Humidified: Raised action, Sluggish tone, Low volume, “Bellying” up of top Lateral finish cracks.

Under-Humidified: Lowered action, Fret buzzing, Fret ends protruding, Dips in top.

Courtesy of BREEDLOVE GUITAR WEBSITE.