Caring For Your Guitar / Bass /
Mandolin
Continued from Page 1....
Avoiding Cracks
Age & Wood Considerations
I
believe that one of the reasons my recommendations to provide
adequate humidity for instruments is met with
such resistance is that many of us, myself included, own
several vintage (and el cheapo) instruments which have
received little to no TLC and never cracked
and many see it as unnecessary.
It would seem as though some of the newer instruments
have familiarized us with the word...high maintenance or temperamental.
And although that may make your $100 no name, el cheapo look
like a better instrument that is most certainly not the case. Many low dollar
acoustic guitars are made from laminated wood, are overbuilt, overbraced
and heavily coated with finish...all of which may make them
more durable than a delicate instrument but rarely great sounding. "Built like a tank" is
not the target of a luthier building fine instruments.
It is my assumption that the majority of high volume factories find in
necessary to use kiln dried wood. With the high production
rates they face today it would be nearly impossible to rely on well
aged, air dried - naturally cured wood. This fact may explain
why some newer instruments must be treated so carefully.
Controlled Humidity
Another important issue is the fact that factories build in
humidity controlled, somewhat "pampered" environments. Once an instrument leaves
the factory it's environment may change quite a bit. Unfortunately not all
retailers and shops provide new instruments with adequate
accommodations. This means the instrument you take home may
already be showing signs of dryness and if you aren't aware of
the symptoms it may not take long before you have a real problem on
your hands. Factory defect? No. It is beyond the factory or
luthiers ability to control the environment their instruments
are subject to. That is why we are so adamant about educating
our customers as to the effects of humidity on a piece of wood
that is a mere thousands of an inch or so.
I'm
afraid many new instrument owners have learned about humidity
the hard way and contact me asking what to do now.
Repairing Cracks Caused by Low Humidity
When I receive a dry instrument for repair priority number one
is to humidify it and place it in a stable condition. This can
take 2 weeks, this can take a month or more. It all depends on
the instrument. Once stable, cracks and seam
separations can be repaired and cleated for reinforcement.
Your Part
Now obviously repairing the crack has not alleviated you of
any further action. Humidity levels must still be
maintained and monitored to avoid opening prior repairs or
creating new cracks. So
how do I do that?
First,
become acquainted with the symptoms I've described
above...know when your instrument is dry. Second,
it's a good idea to purchase a
hygrometer to go in your case and home, this will give you a
good idea when you need to take
action. Slight fluctuations in humidity levels are difficult
to control but your hygrometer will alert you to changing
conditions.
Those living in homes with very low humidity should either
purchase a room humidifier to improve the environment your
instrument is stored in or place an instrument humidifier in
the guitars soundhole/case and store it in the case when not
being used. Simply storing it in the case without a
humidifier offers no protection from dryness.
Here in
Virginia, when my heat comes on humidity levels will drop to
25%-35% if no humidity is added...far too dry to store
instruments. I use 3 full size humidifiers to regulate 1600 sq.
feet. While you may hear people say 'if you're comfortable, your
instruments comfortable" many do not take humidity into
consideration. While that's usually true of temperature, it's
amazing how little humidity ones home has in the winter,
particularly if a woodstove or forced air is used.
Musical Instrument Humidifiers
What
kind of humidifiers are available??
The
Kyser®
Lifeguard soundhole humidifier.
This acoustic guitar model covers the soundhole
and I find it very effective in adding
humidity.
The
Planet Waves®
Body Guard,
suspended soundhole humidifier. Easy to refill, easy to slip
in and out. This is another good humidifier and certainly a
best seller.
I'd have to say this is probably the humidifier I recommend
most. It's effective at adding humidity and easy to deal with.
If mold develops you should replace it.
Glaesel®.
This tube like violin humidifier is essential for Guitars and
Mandolins with small soundholes or F-holes.
PRECAUTIONS:
Anytime any humidifier is used with an instrument it is
essential that no water is allowed to drip
from the humidifier into the instrument. Water should never come into contact with
the unfinished wood inside of the instrument. If enough water
is spilled inside of an instrument the wood can swell and
create finish damage or haze.
Also keep in mind that, depending on your location, humidity
levels may increase during the summer and alleviate the need
for a humidifier during the season.
The
SUGAR PACKET ???
If that little white pouch that resembles a sugar packet still
remains in your case, you may need to consider throwing it
away! The purpose of the silica gel pack is to
absorb moisture and keep everything dry.
Unless you are living in a humid environment these are not
necessary and can do harm.
Storage
Should I leave it on a
stand or store it in it's case? The case is
often the best place to store your instrument for two reasons.
