Ultratone Guitars - New Products, Lessons, Articles, and News For Musicians: Ultratone Guitars

Instrument Care Essentials:

Humidity and How it Effects Instruments

The proper storage of a stringed instrument is essential to the lifespan of your instrument. Selecting a space for your instruments and controlling the humidity of environment in that space can be a challenge. This article is designed to give guidelines and to help you better protect your instrument.

I have found that the best relative humidity level for any wood constructed instrument is somewhere between 45% and 55%. Most Instruments live in this range very nicely. However, when the relative humidity level drops to 40% or below inside your home, your instrument's fingerboard may start to shrink, which can cause the frets to stick out slightly over the edge of the fingerboard. When the levels are 35% relative humidity or less, the frets are definitely starting to feel uncomfortable. The top of your acoustic guitar starts to shrink, causing it to bow in or near the soundhole, making the action higher, and you're beginning to notice that your guitar doesn't play as well as it used to. By the time your guitar has been living in 30% humidity for an extended period of time, you may start to see finish cracks, or even wood cracks in the top.

Sounds like a slippery slope, huh! With a simple humidifier placed inside the instrument’s case you can avoid these issues. Humidifiers can usually be purchased from your local dealer at a pretty inexpensive price.

BE AWARE!

MANUFACTURERS WILL ALWAYS JUDGE DAMAGE CAUSED BY HUMIDITY ISSUES AS DEFECTS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTIES!

The best place to store your instrument when not using it is in it’s case. Avoid leaving instruments in severe temperature situations. Extreme hot or cold climates can damage finish, playability and lastly value. Never leave your instrument in the trunk of your car, direct sunlight or anywhere that you yourself wouldn't want to be. If you’re not comfortable then your instrument isn't either! Wipe off instrument after every use. This not only prolongs your string’s life but also the life of the instrument. A clean instrument is a happy instrument! If you must store your instrument for an extended period of time, loosen the strings to avoid damage.

Another great tip is to never attempt major adjustments unless performed by a qualified repair person. Over tightening of the truss rod can result in non repairable damage and can turn your instrument into a door stop.

Remember to have fun and to always play responsibly!