• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Guitar VS Basement?

J

jfall

Diamond Member
I live in a basement which can get pretty damp at times. mostly in the summer months. I have a dehumidifier, but it doesn't take all the dampness out. Anways, I have been considering buying an acoustic guitar around the $300-$400 range. I was wondering if having it in the basement where it is damp (monstly just for the summer months) would cause the guitar to warp? if warping could be a problem, is there some kind of treatment I could get done to the guitar to help this, or perhaps a different type of case?
 
I think dry climates are worse for guitars that damp ones. If the guitar stays in the basement all the time, it will reach an equilibrium. You then adjust the neck for that climate and your good. Strings will probably go bad fast. Use lemon oil on your neck every time you clean it. Use string conditioner often.

If you take your guitar somewhere else, put it in the case a couple hours before you go, and leave it in the case for a couple hours after you get to where you are going to let it acclimate.
 
Wow that sounds like a lot of work lol. I will have to check with the dealer I buy it from about the treatment. What does the lemon oil do?
 
God a good hardshell case for the guitar, and keep a "humidifier"in the case (and put the guitar in the case when you aren't playing).

Some types of humidifiers use a dessicant that looks like kitty litter or clear gel crystals. The crystals will absorb moisture down to the recommended level, and release moisture when the humidity drops too low.

Guitars, especially acoustic guitars, made from wood should be kept in a controlled environment when not in-use.

Put some decent polish on it from time-to-time too to protect the finish.

Wipe down the string and neck when you're done, the acids from skin oils wear the strings out faster (or can damage the finish on the back of the neck). Keep the strings clean and you won't have to change them quite so frequently.

I have an old $200.00 Yamaha FG360 from more than 20 years ago, aside from a few dings (careless friends), it's still in excellent shape, no finish checking, cracks, splits ... neck is in great shape, stays in tune ...


Take care of it ... "Cheap" or Not, with rare exception, wooden instruments get sweeter as they age if you take care of 'em.

JM.02

Scott




 
Buy a $20 digital hygrometer from Radio Shack, and a tube-type humidifier (you can leave it dry to absorb moisture). 45-50% relative humidity for a guitar is ideal. As long as you keep it in a case after playing and put the humidifier in, it should be fine.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top