ACOUSTIC GUITAR and HUMIDITY:

The ultimate guide to acoustic guitar humidifiers: humidifying, dehumidifying, traveling with your guitar, seasonal changes, and long-term storage.

An acoustic guitar is more than just a musical instrument; it’s a delicate piece of craftsmanship that requires proper care to maintain its tone and structural integrity. One of the most important aspects of guitar maintenance is managing humidity. A guitar made of solid wood is more sensitive to changes in humidity than one made of laminated wood. (Read more about solid wood vs. laminated wood here.) The right balance of humidity can preserve your guitar’s wood and sound, while the wrong conditions can cause serious damage. This guide covers everything you need to know about humidifying, dehumidifying, and traveling with your acoustic guitar to ensure it stays in tip-top condition.

Understanding the impact of humidity on acoustic guitars

Wood, the primary material of acoustic guitars, is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs and releases moisture from the air. This characteristic makes wood susceptible to changes in humidity, which can cause the following issues:

  • Low humidity (below 40%): Wood can dry out, leading to cracks, a sunken top, sharp fret ends, and a lower action.
  • High humidity (above 60%): Excess moisture can cause the wood to swell, resulting in a raised top, high action, mold growth, and weakened glue joints.

Maintaining an ideal humidity level (between 45% and 55%) is crucial for preserving your guitar’s structural integrity and sound quality.

Humidifying your acoustic guitar

To combat low humidity, guitar humidifiers are essential. These devices add moisture to the air within your guitar case or the guitar itself, preventing the wood from drying out. Here are common types of guitar humidifiers:
1. Soundhole humidifiers: These are placed directly into the soundhole of the guitar. They usually consist of a sponge or gel that holds water and slowly releases moisture into the guitar body.
  • Example: D’Addario Acoustic Guitar Soundhole Humidifier
2. Case Humidifier: These are placed inside the guitar case. They maintain humidity within the entire case, protecting all parts of the guitar.
  • Example: Oasis OH-6 Case Humidifier.
3. Room Humidifier: If you store multiple guitars or keep your guitar out of its case, a room humidifier can maintain the humidity level of the entire room.
  • Example: Philips HU4803.
Tips for using humidifiers:

  • Regularly check and refill the humidifier as needed.
  • • Use distilled water to prevent mineral buildup.
  • Monitor the humidity levels with a hygrometer.

Dehumidifying your acoustic guitar

In environments with high humidity, dehumidifiers are necessary to prevent excess moisture absorption. Here are some effective dehumidifying methods:
1. Silica Gel/ desiccant packs: These are small packets that absorb moisture. They can be placed inside the guitar case to bring down the humidity level. Some of these silica gel packs can be revitalized by warming them up in the oven.
    • Example: Dry & Dry Silica Gel Packets.
2. Room moisture absorber: Moisture absorber with packs of desiccant substance. The desiccant substance can be: silica gel, activated charcoal, calcium sulphate, calcium Chloride and molecular sieves.
    • Example: DampRid Disposable Moisture Absorber.

3. Electric room dehumidifier: Electrical devices that remove moisture from the air and convert it into liquid water (condensation).

  • Example: De’Longhi AriaDry.
4. Two-way humidity controller: Electrical appliances that ‘catches’ moisture from the air and transforming it to liquid form (condensation). This packs will maintain the humidity between 45% and 55% of Relative Humidity.
    • Example: Boveda 2-Way Humidity Control Packs ; D’Addario Humidipak Two-Way Humidification System.
Tips for using dehumidifiers:

  • Replace silica gel or desiccant packs as they become saturated.
  • Store your guitar in a climate-controlled environment whenever possible.
  • Use a hygrometer to monitor and adjust the humidity levels.

Traveling with your acoustic guitar

Traveling with an acoustic guitar presents additional challenges in maintaining proper humidity. Whether flying or driving, consider the following tips to protect your guitar:

  1. Use a Waterproof Guitar Case/Gig Bag: Make sure your guitar case/gig bag is waterproof, which prevents water from coming into contact with your guitar. In addition to keeping it dry from the outside, this waterproof case/bag will protect your guitar from rapid moisture loss.
  2. Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Never leave your guitar in a trunk or other place where it can be exposed to extreme temperatures. Both heat and cold can damage the wood and glue joints of the guitar.
  3. Allow time for acclimatization: When you arrive at your destination, allow your guitar to acclimatize to its new environment before playing. This prevents sudden changes in humidity from causing damage.
  4. Use a hygrometer: Carry a small hygrometer in your guitar case to monitor humidity levels while traveling. This will help you take immediate action if humidity levels go outside of safe ranges.
  5. Pack Carefully: Make sure your guitar is securely packed in its case or gig bag with plenty of padding to prevent physical damage. Consider using a flight case if you are flying.
Tips for air travel:

  • Loosen the strings slightly to reduce tension on the neck.
  • Check with the airline about their policy on carrying musical instruments.
  • Consider purchasing a seat for your guitar if it’s a valuable instrument.

Seasonal changes and guitar care

Different seasons bring various humidity challenges. In winter, indoor heating can significantly dry the air, while summer can bring high humidity. Adjust your humidifying and dehumidifying practices accordingly. Winter care:

  • Increase the use of humidifiers as indoor heating can dry out the air.
  • Monitor humidity levels more frequently.

Summer care:

  • Use dehumidifiers if the ambient humidity is high.
  • Avoid leaving your guitar in hot, humid places such as cars or direct sunlight.

Long-Term Storage If you need to store your guitar for an extended period of time, follow these tips:

  • Store the guitar in its case with a humidifier or dehumidifier as needed.
  • Keep the guitar in a climate-controlled environment.

Regularly check the guitar and the humidity control device.

Conclusion

Proper humidity management is essential for maintaining your acoustic guitar’s condition and sound quality. Whether you’re dealing with dry or humid conditions or traveling with your guitar, using the right humidifiers and dehumidifiers and following best practices can protect your instrument from damage. By understanding and controlling the humidity levels, you can ensure your guitar remains a joy to play for years to come.