Benefits of Using a Guitar Humidifier

Sunday, 06 May 2007

Guitars are usually manufactured in a controlled environment where the relative humidity of the room is kept at a consistent level; usually around 50 percent. In order to maintain the guitar's original condition you should strive to achieve a similar level of humidity in your personal environment. A small room humidifier, available at most hardware or home stores, will generally provide the level of humidity needed.

Excessive humidity or dryness can ruin a guitar relatively quickly. Therefore, you must pay close attention to the conditions where you are leaving your guitar. Never subject your guitar to extreme environmental conditions such as excessive heat or cold; or excessively moist or dry air.

Heat and moisture can loosen glue joints to the point where they separate or come apart. Cold and dry conditions can crack the wood or finish.

The most efficient way to maintain a balanced level of humidity in the guitar is through the use of a guitar humidifier. Humidifiers slowly release moisture inside the guitar. They attach to the inside of the guitar sound hole. Humidity levels are monitored through the use of a hygrometer; a device that attaches to the outside of the case.

The ideal environment for your guitar is somewhere between 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, and 45 to 55 percent relative humidity. When you are not playing your guitar; keep it in the case. The case protects the guitar from drastic changes in temperature and humidity. The humidifier helps keep moisture in; protecting the wood and other important elements of the guitar.

Guitar humidifiers come in a variety of styles. The most common guitar humidifier is the sound hole humidifier. This type not only humidifies the guitar from the inside, but also prevents moisture from escaping through the sound hole.

To wet the humidifier, simply hold it under the tap for a few seconds and squeeze it a little to allow the internal sponge to fill. Then shake it, dry it with a towel, and wring it out. The key is to make certain the guitar humidifier is moist, not wet.

Hang the moist humidifier inside the guitar sound hole. Repeat the process until the rate of evaporation slows down. As long as the humidifier sponge stays moist, it is working. If it feels hard and dry, it's time to re-wet it.

Guitar humidifiers will last for several years if properly maintained. After a few years, you may notice white mineral deposits on the outside of the humidifier rubber parts. If this occurs, soak the humidifier in white vinegar, the brush and rinse it off.

Occasionally, the ends of the rubber tube attachment will become enlarged; causing the rubber stoppers to fall out, or causing the ends to dry and become cracked. When this happens, you can snip off the enlarged or cracked ends with regular scissors.

It is of particular importance to carefully monitor the humidity level of new guitars. New instruments require two to three years to "settle." If the guitar is well maintained throughout the settling years, damage due to dry conditions is much less likely.

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