Caring For Your Guitar / Bass / Mandolin
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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 water is
not allowed to drip from the humidifier into 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.
