Humidity and Temperature
Gradual changes in humidity and temperature will generally not harm a well-made guitar if they are not exposed to extreme high or low humidity levels for extended periods of time.
We build and acclimate our guitars in an environment of 49% relative humidity and a temperature of 75 degrees. Storing your instrument in a relative humidity range of 40% to 55% is ideal.
A guitar that absorbs too much moisture, through high humidity, expands and swells. This distorts the geometry of the guitar and, consequently, its tone and playability. Add high temperature and 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. Telltale signs of a “wet” guitar are:
- 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, low volume
- Finish cracks (checks)
- Binding separation
Overly dry conditions, or lack of sufficient humidity, can be equally detrimental to your guitar, causing the wood to shrink and crack. It can also result in poor tone and improper intonation. In dry regions, such as 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 to maintain a proper environment. Telltale signs of a “dry” guitar are:
- Lowered action
- Fret buzzing and lifting
- Fret ends sticking out from the fingerboard
- Dips in the top or back
- Finish and/or wood cracks
- Keep your guitar in its case when you’re not playing it, as it’s a lot easier to control humidity in a smaller, relatively “sealed” enclosure.
- Purchase a home hygrometer/thermometer to keep tabs on the relative humidity and temperature. Adjust your home environment as necessary. Plants and humidifiers add moisture in generally dry winter months or areas. Air conditioning controls humidity in generally hot, muggy summer months or regions.
- Avoid storing your guitar near sources of hot, dry air (such as forced hot air 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 kind of weather, and it’s the quickest way to destroy a guitar. Even in the passenger compartment, your guitar can be subjected to extreme temperatures. For example, please allow your instrument to warm up slowly before opening your case in a warm environment after being transported in a cold vehicle.
- When traveling cross country, keep in mind changes in local humidity, and protect your guitar accordingly.
- Guitar humidifiers that fit inside the sound hole or extend into the body can be very effective but must be used with care to avoid water damage. Check with a qualified guitar repair person before using them.
Fret Buzz
Here are some things you can try to fix fret buzz:
- Check your technique: Make sure you're pressing down firmly enough on the strings.
- Check the neck: Make sure the neck isn't too straight or bowing backwards.
- Check the nut: Put a business card under the strings around the second fret to see if that resolves the issue.
- 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 probably hear a papery rattle.
- Adjust the truss rod: If the neck is forward bowed, you can turn the truss rod counterclockwise. If the neck is backward bowed, you can turn the truss rod clockwise.
- You can also watch some Youtube video to learn how to fix fret buzz on your guitar.
Action and Playability
Our acoustic guitars are adjusted at our shop with a standard string height and typically about .008'' relief in the neck. The string height can be lowered or raised to suit individual playing preferences ;
The truss rod of the guitar is meant to maintain the proper curvature of the neck and is not a good method for adjusting the action. Once the neck curvature is correct, you can adjust the action by sanding the saddle or by adding a shim to raise the neck height.
Finish Care
Foam, rubber, or vinyl can damage nitrocellulose lacquer finishes over time. While some stands are labeled “lacquer safe,” it's best to treat stands as temporary storage. To prevent damage, cover the foam/rubber parts 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 when stored.
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.
Orange peel is usually caused by high temperatures. While orange peel doesn't typically affect the sound or playability of the guitar, it can detract from its aesthetic quality. The issue can often be corrected through wet sanding and buffing to achieve a smooth, glossy finish. If you are concerned about this issue, we do not suggest purchasing a guitar with a nitro finish.