Your guitar is more than an instrument — it's an investment in craftsmanship, tone, and years of playing pleasure. Whether you own a factory-built acoustic or a handbuilt custom guitar, proper care makes the difference between an instrument that deteriorates over time and one that gets better with age.
This guide covers everything you need to know to keep your acoustic guitar in peak condition — from humidity management and finish care to fret buzz fixes and action adjustments.
— Byron Custom Guitars Workshop
Humidity and Temperature
Gradual changes in humidity and temperature will generally not harm a well-made guitar — provided it is not exposed to extreme levels for extended periods of time. Storing your instrument in a relative humidity range of 40% to 55% is ideal.
Too Much Humidity — The "Wet" Guitar
A guitar that absorbs too much moisture expands and swells, distorting its geometry, tone, and playability. High temperature combined with humidity can weaken glue joints — even causing them to fail. With prolonged exposure, the glue under the bridge will weaken, allowing the bridge to pull off entirely.
⚠ Signs of a "wet" guitar
- High action
- Swollen top
- Fret buzzing in the high registers (as the fretboard extension rises with the top)
- Distorted back and sides
- "Tubby," muffled tone with low volume
- Finish cracks (checks)
- Binding separation
Too Little Humidity — The "Dry" Guitar
Overly dry conditions can be equally damaging, causing the wood to shrink and crack. It can also result in poor tone and improper intonation. In dry regions — mountainous areas, deserts, or northern climates where heated air is common in winter — simple guitar humidifiers may not be sufficient. Room or household humidifiers may be necessary.
⚠ Signs of a "dry" guitar
- Lowered action
- Fret buzzing and lifting
- Fret ends sticking out from the fingerboard
- Dips in the top or back
- Finish and/or wood cracks
How to Protect Your Guitar from Humidity Damage
▶ Best practices
- Keep your guitar in its case when not playing — it's much easier to control humidity in a smaller, relatively sealed enclosure.
- Purchase a home hygrometer/thermometer to monitor relative humidity and temperature. Plants and humidifiers add moisture in dry winter months; air conditioning controls humidity in hot, muggy summer months.
- Avoid storing your guitar near sources of hot, dry air (such as heating ducts) or cold, damp areas (garages, basements, closets with outside walls).
- Never transport your guitar in a car trunk. Temperatures inside car trunks can be extreme in any weather and is the quickest way to destroy a guitar. Even in the passenger compartment, allow your instrument to warm up slowly before opening the case in a warm environment after being transported in a cold vehicle.
- When travelling cross-country, keep in mind changes in local humidity and protect your guitar accordingly.
- Guitar humidifiers that fit inside the sound hole can be very effective but must be used with care to avoid water damage. Check with a qualified guitar repair person before using them.
★ From the Byron Workshop
Built and Acclimated for Longevity
Every Byron custom guitar is built and acclimated in a controlled environment of 49% relative humidity at 75°F. This careful process ensures the wood is stable before it ever ships — giving your instrument the best possible foundation for a long life.
See Our Workshop Process →Fret Buzz
Fret buzz is one of the most common issues guitarists encounter — and in most cases, it's fixable without a trip to a repair shop. Here are the steps to diagnose and resolve it:
- Check your technique. Make sure you're pressing down firmly enough on the strings and that your fingers are placed just behind the fret — not on top of it.
- Check the neck. Make sure the neck isn't too straight or bowing backwards. A slight forward bow (relief) is normal and desirable.
- Check the nut. Place a business card under the strings around the second fret to see if that resolves the buzz. If it does, the nut slots may be cut too low.
- Check the bracing. Hold the guitar by the neck and tap firmly on the bridge or around the top. If there are any loose braces, you'll hear a papery rattle.
- Adjust the truss rod. If the neck is forward bowed, turn the truss rod clockwise to add relief. If the neck is backward bowed, turn it counterclockwise. Make small adjustments — no more than a quarter turn at a time.
💡 Tip
If you're new to truss rod adjustments, search YouTube for a walkthrough specific to your guitar model before attempting it. It's straightforward once you've seen it done — but worth doing carefully.
Action and Playability
Byron acoustic guitars are adjusted at the workshop with a standard string height and approximately .008" of relief in the neck. String height can be lowered or raised to suit individual playing preferences.
A few important things to understand about action adjustments:
- The truss rod is designed to maintain proper neck curvature — it is not the right tool for adjusting action. Use it only to correct neck bow.
- Once neck curvature is correct, you can adjust action by sanding the saddle (to lower) or adding a shim under the saddle (to raise).
- If you're unsure, take the guitar to a qualified luthier or guitar technician for a professional setup — it's usually inexpensive and makes a significant difference to playability.
Finish Care
Your guitar's finish protects the wood and contributes to its resonance. A few simple habits will keep it looking and performing its best for decades.
Everyday Cleaning
The best way to preserve a guitar's finish is to keep it clean. Wipe off perspiration and fingerprints with a soft cloth after each use to remove sweat, oils, and dirt. Occasionally apply a high-quality, finish-safe guitar polish to keep the finish clean and shiny.
Guitar Stands and Storage
Foam, rubber, or vinyl can damage nitrocellulose lacquer finishes over time. While some stands are labelled "lacquer safe," it's best to treat stands as temporary storage only. To prevent damage, cover the foam or rubber contact points with a soft cotton cloth.
For long-term storage, keep your instrument in its case and remove the strap — ensuring no part of it touches the guitar's finish when stored.
Orange Peel Finish
Orange peel texture in the finish is usually caused by high temperatures during curing. While it typically doesn't affect the sound or playability of the guitar, it can detract from its appearance. The issue can often be corrected through wet sanding and buffing to achieve a smooth, glossy finish.
▶ Note on nitro finishes
If you're sensitive to finish imperfections, a nitrocellulose lacquer finish requires more careful handling than a polyurethane finish. If orange peel is a concern, consider a poly-finished guitar — or discuss finish options when placing a custom order.
★ Custom Guitar Orders
Choose Your Finish When You Order
When you build a custom guitar with Byron, you can specify your preferred finish type, colour, and sheen level. Every detail is built to your spec — including the finish. Free worldwide shipping and a hard case included with every order.
Start Your Custom Build →Final Thoughts
A well-cared-for guitar can last a lifetime — and in many cases, improve with age as the tonewoods continue to open up and resonate more freely. The habits covered in this guide don't take long to develop, but the impact on your guitar's longevity and playability is significant.
Store it correctly, keep the humidity stable, wipe it down after playing, and address any setup issues early. Your guitar will reward you for it every time you pick it up.
Looking for a handbuilt acoustic guitar built to last? Every Byron custom guitar is crafted with care — and ships free worldwide with a hard case included.
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