Guitar question, humidity???

[s_morrison57]

I've moved from the west (wet) coast of Canada to central Cdn. and its way drier here, used to get mid 40's on the humidity gauge and now the new place its down to mid 30's. I'm concerned this is too low but not an expert by any means and have only been playing (dickin around mostly) for a couple of years, my guitar's aren't expensive but their my 6 string friends so I want to take care of them as best as possible. I've got 3 hollow body Gretsch's, Yamaha acoustic, 2 solid body Fenders and a Fender Banjo.
Just wondering if I'm still in a good humidity range @ 34 -35% or if I should be using those "in guitar" humidity gadgets.
What do you guys do? What humidity do you keep your guitars at?

Finn

[Fast Freddy 944]

You can buy those humidifiers, I take it you leave em out to play em. Just order one off the i-net if you dare. I would look for a Guitar Center tech and have them hook you up with the proper one.

[LWJ]

I used to worry about that but I live in Oregon. On the wet side. My experience is worthless to you.

What I would do? Call a music shop and ask them. They will have an opinion. There are many ways to humidify a guitar. I have always thought that the fluctuation was the bad thing. But then again, I live in a pretty humid part of the world.

[NutmegCarrera]

You want to humidify.
If you are able to keep them in one room - a room humidifier and a digital humidity gage are the way to go.
Keep it around 50%.
(My daughter keeps hers acclimated by hanging on an INTERIOR wall and regulates the humidity manually.)
This is important for acoustic and hollow body guitars.
I think solid body electrics- they’re pretty stable.

When keeping in the case - she uses an inside-the-sound hole humidifier pack.
They are available and can be “recharged” when their humidity level is ‘used up’.
There are hygrometers available for inside the case. Both the ‘litmus test’ type - as well as a digital or analog gauge.

[NutmegCarrera]

(Humidifier was available from Mr. Bezos’ website for about $30)

[944 S2]

I have a whole house humidifier that I use in winter only. I sent it at 45%. They are not expensive and it’s comfortable for the family and the guitars!

[944 S2]

I have a whole house humidifier that I use in winter only. I sent it at 45%. They are not expensive and it’s comfortable for the family and the guitars!

[Starless]

I have two Ovation acoustics and two Fender Strats. None are worth tons of money so I don't worry about it. Just have to keep tuning as the humidity changes.

[ramonesfreak]

Mid 30s is cutting it close

I’ve got 15 guitars in my basement studio. 4 are acoustics. My RH is typically around 45 down there. The past few weeks it’s dipping down to mid 30s with this cold weather

The only one that has gone into the case with humidifier is a one month old acoustic….it’s too new

All my others have acclimated to the environment and I never see fret sprout or any movement and are never put in cases

If they are electrics and new to the climate, check for fret sprout….sharp when you run hand down neck. Not good. Avoid this.

If acoustics, if new to climate, put in case with humidifier

If vintage, you might be ok….just depends

Better safe than sorry

[HardDrive]

Currently sitting in my our new family outpost in Rochester NY. Brought my old Yamaha to strum. 22% on hyro, glad I left the Martin at home.

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by NutmegCarrera

You want to humidify.
If you are able to keep them in one room - a room humidifier and a digital humidity gage are the way to go.
Keep it around 50%.
(My daughter keeps hers acclimated by hanging on an INTERIOR wall and regulates the humidity manually.)
This is important for acoustic and hollow body guitars.
I think solid body electrics- they’re pretty stable.

When keeping in the case - she uses an inside-the-sound hole humidifier pack.
They are available and can be “recharged” when their humidity level is ‘used up’.
There are hygrometers available for inside the case. Both the ‘litmus test’ type - as well as a digital or analog gauge.

^This. I got lazy one winter and my cello top cracked

[Steve Carlton]

Yo Yo Flatbutt

[Nostril Cheese]

Call a local luthier/independent guitar shop (NOT Guitar Center) and talk to them about local humidity and what to use. Guitar Center knows dick.