How to take care and protect your guitar against Temperature and Humidity?
(This applies to every wooden musical instrument)
Wood is a porous, organic material and is affected dimensionally by changes in the amounts of moisture it contains. All
fine stringed instruments made from solid wood are, without a doubt, more susceptible to the effects of changes in
humidity than are laminated wood instruments and mass production instruments. These are heavily sealed by many
coats of hard lacquer. Natural wood requires ongoing attention to its condition.
The moisture content of wood is determined by the relative humidity and temperature of the surrounding atmosphere.
Relative humidity is expressed as a percentage of air’s capability to hold moisture. For example, 30% relative humidity
means that the air is holding 30% of the moisture it could possibly hold at a given temperature. The greatest threats to
a fine wood guitar are extremes and rapid changes in temperature and humidity.
High humidity can cause softening of the glues used in the construction of the instrument. As wood absorbs moisture
from the air, this can cause the body and neck to twist, expand and rise. Conversely, if you live or travel with your
guitar to a drier climate (either hot or cold), there is another danger. In areas of low humidity, the evaporation of
moisture from the wood can cause shrinkage and cracking, no matter how long or carefully the wood has previously
been aged.
The collective experience of all of the major guitar manufacturers today has demonstrated that the ideal temperature to
preserve the integrity of solid wood guitars is room temperature, which is about 20.5º C (70º F ). The ideal relative
humidity is about 40% to 50%. In the winter, the forced air systems used to heat most homes can drive temperatures up
and humidity levels dangerously low for guitars. A good measure of protection against drying out your guitar is to use a
room humidifier
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humidifier. Use a dehumidifier
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dehumidifier if the room contains too much moisture. In either case, you need to control the
ambient atmosphere of your room. At least once a week, use some special oil (Hufschmid Guitars brand of choice)
http://www.estalin.ch/en/pr_entretien_bois.php to clean and maintain the fingerboard and body, which will keep them from drying out and will nourish the
wood.
When the instrument is not in use, I recommend that you keep it in its case. If you are not using a room humidifier,
check the relative humidity periodically and, when needed, use one of the small guitar humidifiers that are available
from many instrument dealers. Do not leave the guitar for long periods near a heating vent, radiator or in direct sunlight
close to a window. Never leave your guitar in a car or in the trunk of a car and do not expose it to excessive heat or cold.
Philharmonic Orchestras, violinists, classical guitarists and all musical instruments made of wood are taken on tour. It is
always up to the musician to take individual care of them. This applies to all musical instruments (except for those made
in metal). One takes care of a car by checking the tyres and having it serviced.
Taking care of wood is a fraction of the effort and cost. There are humidifiers and dehumidifiers available everywhere.
Products to oil wood are available everywhere too, as most people have furniture made of wood.
The above text is based upon that of the 'Protection from Temperature and Humidity' section of the 'Benedetto Guitar
Owner's Manual'. It is quoted here with gracious permission of Bob Benedetto.
Website:
http://www.benedettoguitars.com
I don't know, love that guitar but it bugs the hell out of me.
