how do you control humidity on a guitar

• Hygrometer. Use a hygrometer in the room where you keep your guitar or in the guitar case to measure the humidity.
• Case Humidification. Once you have the measurements, the next step is to maintain a consistent humidity level. Use a case humidification system to achieve this.
• Keep It In The Case. You might keep your guitar out in a guitar stand or leaned against your amp to encourage playing. ...
• In Summary. Maintaining an ideal humidity range for your guitar is relatively straightforward. Your home’s indoor humidity level may already be good.

Full Answer

How to control the humidity in your guitar room?

“It is imperative to keep the guitar inside its case when using this system. In an ideal world, one would simply control the humidity of the environment where the guitar is most often played by using a room humidifier and, in the case of summer months and/or tropical environments, dehumidification, of one form or another.

How much humidity is bad for your guitar?

The humidity and temperature of your guitar should be kept at a constant level between 40% and 50% to prevent damage. You risk damaging your guitar if the conditions are outside of this range. At What Humidity Do Guitars Crack? You may notice cracks in your guitar if the relative humidity is 30%.

What is the best humidity control?

• In summer, turn on an air conditioner or fans to lower the perceived temperature and dehumidify the air. ...
• Improve the building’s airtightness or thermal insulation to counter infiltrations air leakage and in turn ensure easier temperature control indoors. ...
• If the humidity gets too high during the winter, you need to ensure better air circulation. ...

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How does humidity affect strings?

Symptoms of Humidity Issues

• Fret Sprout. One thing that occurs on a seasonal basis is “fret sprout.” This happens in the winter months when the indoor environment is typically much drier than the summer.
• Cracks. Cracks in the guitar finish might be a sign of too little humidity. ...
• String Action and Playability. ...
• Loose Joints. ...
• Tuning and Intonation Issues. ...

How do I control the humidity in my acoustic guitar?

2:353:38How to Humidify Your Acoustic Guitar The Proper Way - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd the hygrometer will tell you that so the guitars are hanging in the room make sure you have aMoreAnd the hygrometer will tell you that so the guitars are hanging in the room make sure you have a humidifier running and that you're watching your hygrometer. So you can maintain accurate humidity.

What is the perfect humidity level for guitars?

45-55 percentA hygrometer will give you an accurate reading of the humidity level of the environment in which you store your guitar, which will help you monitor it. The ideal humidity range for an acoustic guitar is 45-55 percent, but 40-60 percent is generally acceptable.

Is 40% humidity too low for guitar?

What Should Your Humidity Level Be? Most experts and instrument manufacturers agree that an ideal relative humidity range of 40-50% is best for storing instruments. Anything less could cause wood to: Shrink, lowering the top and strings, which causes even more stress and eventually cracking.

Do guitars need dehumidifiers?

In the winter seasons, the dry climate requires guitars to be humidified, and when it starts getting humid during the summer, they need to be dehumidified. Guitars want to be as close to 40-50% humidity as possible. That's the environment they were manufactured in.

Is 35% humidity OK for guitars?

Most experts say 40-50 percent. At this level, a guitar will sound and play its best. A great way to control humidity is to use a humidifier.

What humidity is too low for guitars?

The bottom line regarding dryness is that if your guitar is not kept within a comfortable range of 45-55 percent relative humidity, it will be in danger of cracking. We strongly recommend the use of a guitar humidifier, along with a digital hygrometer to accurately measure the humidity level where you store the guitar.

Is low humidity bad for guitars?

Early warning signs. Worst case scenario: Below 40% can be a bit of a horror story: less moisture in the air means the wood dries out and starts to shrink. The arch of the top and bottom of the guitar top start to flatten and the soundboard wood itself and the lacquer that coats it can begin to crack.

How often should you humidify your guitar?

If your humidity is consistently in the 35 to 45 per- cent range, re-wet the Dampit every 10 to 14 days. Working musicians who routinely perform in dry regions and winter climates should keep their soundhole humidifier moist all the time, and use a second humidifier as previously mentioned.

How Does Humidity Affect A Guitar?

As humidity increases, the tonewoods used in your guitar will swell. And conversely, as humidity decreases, the woods will shrink.

What happens if you don't humidify your guitar?

If you don’t correctly humidify it, the woods will begin to dry out and shrink – this is referred to as a ‘ dry guitar ‘. If you were to go the opposite way and travel from an arid, dry area to somewhere with a high level of humidity, your guitar’s woods will absorb the moisture from the air and expand.

Why keep a D'Addario humidipak inside?

Also, make sure to keep a product such as the D’Addario Humidipak inside the case during transport to help maintain good humidity levels.

How much does a hygrometer cost?

Alternatively, if you’re happy to manually check on the humidity levels, you can pick up a good hygrometer from as little as $10. For example, click here to check out the best selling model on Amazon.

Why do guitars dry out?

In their well-meaning efforts to counteract the high humidity where they live , they actually end up removing too much moisture from the air and drying out their guitars!

What is humidity in the air?

Humidity is the measurement of the volume of water vapor contained within the air. As temperature increases, so too does the volume of water vapor that can be held by the air. When you are listening to the daily weather report, when they talk about humidity they will be referring to relative humidity.

What is the difference between an acoustic guitar and a solid guitar?

Acoustic Guitars vs Solid Body Guitars. The style of guitar will play a big role in determining the degree to which it is affected by humidity and/or temperature. A solid body guitar , such as a Stratocaster, is not massively affected by temperature or humidity.

What humidity should I use for guitars in Arizona?

For example, if I know a guitar will be going to Arizona where is it is very dry, I might adjust the environment of my work shop to a lower relative humidity (such as 40 or 45% RH) before and during the building which can produce a moisture content in the wood of slightly lower than 9%. This can give the guitar a little extra protection against the possibilities of cracking from being in an environment that is so dry.

How to protect a guitar case?

Another way to protect your guitar is by using a humidity control device inside your guitar case itself . There are several types out there ranging from simple sponge type guitar humidifiers that are suspended between the strings to the more modern gel or silica based models that can regulate the humidity in the case more evenly (see the planet Waves Himidipack System ).

How is moisture content measured?

This is usually measured as the “Percentage Moisture Content” which is calculated by comparing the weight of water to the dry weight of the wood.

Why does wood absorb water?

Wood loves water. It was made to transport water and sap through the tree when it was alive. When wood absorbs water from the air around it, it’s simply doing what it was designed to do. Those beautiful cell structures that grab the water right out of the air are the same wonderful things that make up the irreplaceable and unique material that we love so much for our guitars (and for many other important things in our lives).

What is cracking on a guitar called?

This type of cracking is commonly known as “checking”. Conversely, if the guitar top plate tries to expand as it absorbs water from overly humid air it will again be restricted by the fixed ridged guitar sides it is glued to and will have no choice but to bow upward in the center.

Does temperature affect humidity?

Remember from the sections above that the temperature plays an integral role in the relative humidity equation, so be sure to regulate the room temperature as well as the RH (even if your guitars are in cases).

Can too high humidity damage a guitar?

Too High or too low humidity can cause many other serious problems in a finished guitar. I hope that from these simple examples so far, you’re beginning to see how having a deeper understanding of how wood and water behave you can protect your current guitars.

Understanding Humidity

We all understand humidity to some extent whether we know it or not. Maybe you’ve taken a Florida vacation during hot summer days where the air felt sticky and moist. Conversely, I’ve lived through enough New York winters now to understand the havoc that dry air can wreak on a person.

Conclusion

Your guitar is an investment. It’s a motivator, and an inspiration to your creative endeavors. It deserves the best care possible. So, grab yourself a hygro-thermometer and see what’s best for your situation. You’ll be glad that you did. Especially when you’re still playing your guitar many years from now.

What happens if your guitar is exposed to constant humidity?

So what about the opposite? What happens if your guitar is exposed in constant plus 60 relative humidity? Well, you’ll notice that the top of the body of your guitar starts bloating, your string action will be higher than usual and that a setup might be in order, and worst, you’ll see mold buildups.

How to use a humidifier on acoustic guitar?

These types of guitar humidifiers usually come with a rubber tube that would sit on your strings and then run inside your guitar to hold moisture level at a certain point for an adverse environment.

What are the Symptoms of a dry guitar?

For musical instruments, we have what we call relative humidity to measure things for your guitar. Now, what is considered high or low humidity here? Well, some would say that 40 to 60 relative humidity is the sweet spot for your guitars. If you can achieve a humidity level of 50 percent then that should be much better.

Why does my guitar feel like it's squeaking?

Well, if there’s too low humidity for your guitar then you might notice the bridge area sink in low causing your strings to almost touching the fretboard. Now, this would lead to poor tone and buzzing and muting of the notes.

What happens if your guitar is too dry?

Some other symptoms if your guitar gets too dry is that like your skin or lips it might also exhibit wood cracking, fret sprout or protruding fret ends, top sinking, and other damage to your guitar. So be wary of that.

Can humidity affect guitars?

Humidity changes can affect our human body, our possessions, and yes, also our musical instruments. Specifically, our guitars, too much moisture or too much dryness will affect its material and unfortunately would lead to damages. And except expert one, not a lot of guitarists are as conscious about humidity problems with their instruments in ...

Can you use a guitar case for a bass guitar?

It’s also pretty straightforward to use, as the name implies, you just have to fit it in your guitar case. This can now be used for electric and bass guitars too.

How to keep humidity level consistent on guitar?

Once you have the measurements, the next step is to maintain a consistent humidity level. Use a case humidification system to achieve this. These are small packets designed to be placed in the guitar case. They will absorb excess moisture, or add moisture if the environment is dry.

How to measure humidity in guitar case?

Hygrometer. Use a hygrometer in the room where you keep your guitar or in the guitar case to measure the humidity. This is recommended since the measurement will either be in the guitar case itself or the immediate vicinity. You will have a more accurate measurement this way.

How Does Humidity Affect Electric Guitars?

You might think that humidity issues only impact acoustic guitars. Acoustic guitars are more susceptible to problems caused by low or high humidity due to their open body and delicate construction. But electric guitars are also made out of wood and can be affected by changes in humidity as well.

How to keep a guitar in good condition?

But bear in mind that indoor humidity levels will vary by season. To keep your guitar in the best possible condition, consider using a hygrometer and case humidification system.

Why does my guitar buzz when playing?

On the dry side of the humidity spectrum, the string action may start to lower causing fret buzz. Conversely, the action may get too high with excess humidity. This has to do with the wood drying out and contracting, or absorbing too much moisture and expanding. Either way, the guitar can become unplayable.

Why do guitars crack?

When the wood in a guitar dries out, cracks may begin to show in the finish. And more importantly, cracks can occur in structural areas of the guitar. These structural cracks are expensive to fix and can ruin an otherwise great guitar. Using a humidification system will help prevent the low humidity conditions that contribute to cracks and other damage.

How to keep a guitar playing at its best?

With a little care and maintenance, your guitar will last a lifetime. Maintaining a consistent humidity level is one step you can take to keep your guitar playing at its best.

How much humidity should I keep my guitar at?

To prevent damage, keep your guitar at a consistent 40%–50% humidity level.

Why humidify guitar?

It’s also vital to keep a humidification system in your case to regulate humidity. Simply put, if you’re not using a humidification system, the chances of harming your guitar are drastically increased. Humidity damage is by far the most common repair our Guitar Repair Shop sees during the winter months.

How much humidity does a Planet Waves humidifier have?

Most humidification systems can only add humidity, but the Planet Waves Two-way Humidification System can also absorb any unwanted moisture inside the case, allowing you to keep your guitars in the ideal 40%–50% range.

Why use a hardshell case for guitar?

If you won’t be doing any strumming in the near future, a hardshell case will protect your guitar from rapid humidity changes. A cracked guitar bridge like this is something that can be prevented with proper humidity control. Humidity is much easier to control and maintain in a small space.

Is a guitar a tree?

The Ideal Humidity for Your Guitar. Believe it or not, your guitar still thinks that it’s a tree. It’s true! Just like a tree, guitars will naturally acclimate to whatever environment they are exposed to, and if that environment is outside of the ideal range, it could spell disaster.

Can you dehydrate a guitar in the winter?

The heating system in your home is designed to circulate warm, dry air. Unfortunately, that is a perfect recipe for dehydrating guitars. Be sure that during the winter months you are using a humidification system to prevent damage to your guitar or any other instruments.

Is it bad to store a guitar on a stand?

The danger of storing your guitar on a stand is that not only can it take an unwanted tumble, but you also risk exposure to dry air and direct heat from radiators, heating ventilation, and fireplaces.

How humid should a guitar be in the summer?

In the winter seasons, the dry climate requires guitars to be humidified, and when it starts getting humid during the summer, they need to be dehumidified. Guitars want to be as close to 40-50% humidity as possible. That’s the environment they were manufactured in. A happy medium is 45%.

Why does my guitar buzz?

There are many different things that can cause a guitar to buzz, but if the air is starting to feel more dry, or it’s winter-time where you live and you’re starting to turn on your heater at home, a rattling guitar likely means it’s beginning to dry out and it’s time to humidify it.

Why are my frets shrunk?

The frets have “shrunk” due to the fretboard wood expanding. The frets don’t sit flush with the edge of the fretboard. The fretboard has expanded due to the high moisture content. High moisture also causes the frets and metal components to start oxidizing.

Why do guitar tops open up?

Just like guitars that are too “dry”, guitars that have too much moisture content may develop tops that start to open up along their center-seam, where the two pieces of wood are joined.

What is a split seam on an acoustic guitar?

Split seams (acoustic/hollow guitars) Another common problem you may face with acoustic guitars that are too dry, are guitar tops that start to open up along their center-seam, where the two pieces of wood are joined. A dried out guitar with its center-seam split. Credit: Acoustic Guitar Forum.

How many frets does a guitar backbow?

As a guitar dries out, the neck will start to backbow more, causing your strings to get much closer to the frets near the nut (usually the first seven or eight frets). In some cases, the neck can backbow enough that the strings will be resting on the first fret itself.

What does it feel like when an instrument is too dry?

The first thing you’ll feel on acoustic and electric instruments that are too dry are the sides of their frets poking out from the neck.

What does a humidifier do to a Taylor guitar?

Dry conditions can lead to guitar damage. A guitar humidifier will protect your Taylor and keep it playing and sounding its best.

How many packets are in a two way humidifier?

The Two-Way Humidification kit includes three packets and two pouches. The soundhole pouch houses two packets and is draped over the strings, allowing both pouch compartments to descend into the soundhole to maintain the RH of the guitar body. If you have room in the case (e.g., in the cutaway area), you can place the pouches there instead. The headstock pouch, which holds the third packet, is placed beneath the headstock in the case to help maintain the neck and fretboard.

Do you need a humidifier for a guitar case?

As always, your guitar case provides essential protection from drying and other environmental effects, but in areas prone to severe dryness and/or cold (such as heated homes ), you must use a guitar-humidifying device .

Can you use a humidifier on a guitar?

Avoid humidifiers that seal off the soundhole, unless you use a secondary humidifier behind the peghead. The guitar’s neck also needs that moisture and could be damaged if all the water vapor is trapped inside the body.