Comments on: Are Some Guitars Better Suited for Certain Climates?

By: Martin Keith

Martin Keith — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 02:06:16 +0000

Hi Bob,

Glad you enjoyed the article!
I recommend getting some inexpensive digital hygrometers, and using them to get a reading on actual conditions, which can vary considerably from house to house depending on quite a few factors. I suggest getting several hygrometers and averaging the reading between them, as they are not always perfectly accurate. Keep one in the case, and a few in the room(s) where you most often play.
The D’Addario Humidipak is a great, low-maintenance solution for in-case humidification as it is self-regulating – it will add or remove humidity as needed to maintain healthy conditions. I recommend shooting for 40-45% relative humidity at about 70 degrees F. If it gets lower than 25%, some guitars can begin to be in danger of cracking and other issues. If you live in an unusually dry environment, it’s also helpful to learn the warning signs of an excessively dry guitar – low action, a flat or concave top, and a lump at the fretboard extension. Spotting these early can often spare you unhappy surprises later on.

By: Charlie Branch

Charlie Branch — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 00:04:51 +0000

I watched several of Bob Taylor’s videos from a number of years ago demonstrating the amount of water that is held within the wood of a guitar, and the hardshell case. The wood of the case holds more water than a guitar, moderating changes in relative humidity. I have noticed that my tuned guitar tends to sound flat as it loses moisture, and become sharper as it gains moisture (increasing string tension). My first all-solid wood guitar, a Cole Clark Angel was ground shipped from the East Coast during the summer of 2022, via the Twin Cities on I-90, and then on I-40 through Arizona, to the distribution center in Spokane (105 degrees) in ten days. Expecting the worst, I was relieved to note fret sprout in the neck, which was gone in three weeks of slow humidification of guitar and case. Beautiful Australia-grown redwood top, blackwood back and sides. It really rings! Curious to know what AG thinks of the Santa Cruz Equal Tension strings.

By: Bob Scott

Bob Scott — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 22:23:42 +0000

I have several acoustic guitars and none of them were cheap, at least not to me. I live in Corpus Christi, TX and I keep them in their cases most of the time, but I don’t use humidifiers since it so dry here. Years ago I lived in New Mexico and I did keep my guitar humidified using a device. I realize this is a comment page, but i thought I would ask if I should use humidifer devices anyway.

I really do appreciate this article and the response since I have wondered when to humidify and when not to.
thanks
Bob