Winter Is Coming: Acoustic Guitar Survival Guide

Drastic
humidity and temperature changes can spell doom for acoustic guitars and any
wooden instrument without proper maintenance and storage, causing everything
from slight action problems and shrunken fingerboards to intense cracking and
even mold and mildew buildup. Humidity damage can occur at both ends of the
spectrum, from too dry to too moist, so maintaining levels and locking them in
that sweet spot (40–50%) is critical to keeping all your favorite instruments
in tip-top shape. While Sweetwater’s Guitar
Workshop is more than
qualified to tackle the damage caused by humidity, preventing these issues is a
cinch with the right equipment and a few easy tricks.

Fighting Against Humidity & Temperature Changes

Sweetwater offers several solutions for monitoring and maintaining proper humidity levels, most of which are more than affordable, and all are luthier approved for professional results. D’Addario’s Humidipak Maintain automatic humidity control system is a solid and simple way to regulate humidity levels — insert one of the Humidipaks into the included soundhole pouch, drape it over the strings and into the body, and put the headstock pouch in the case next to the headstock, and they’ll absorb excess moisture for a consistent 45% humidity level for acoustic guitars. You can also use these in a case for great results with any wooden instrument. Once they’ve run their course, each Humidipak will have a hard or crunchy feel to it, meaning it’s time for a new one! 

If you’re after a more precise means of monitoring humidity, then a top-class hygrometer, such as the D’Addario Humidity and Temperature Sensor, is a must-have. This handy little sensor provides an ultra-accurate display of your environment’s current relative humidity and temperature while also tracking the highest and lowest level fluctuations. The first step to fighting humidity issues is to know when to humidify — toss a D’Addario hygrometer into your case or next to your instrument rack, and you’ll always have the instant and accurate feedback you need to keep your instruments properly humidified.

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Proper Guitar Storage

Displaying guitars and other instruments is a timeless tradition — but one that is not without problems. Though your prized vintage acoustics and custom-shop 6-strings do deserve to be seen as well as heard, this method of displaying instruments invites rapid changes due to dry air and temperature inconsistencies with little to no options for maintaining proper humidity levels. When it comes to storage, placing your instruments in a case away from air vents, fireplaces, or windows ensures a fighting chance against humidity. Failing to do so may result in your instruments ending up with numerous cracks and other issues that render those prized axes unplayable. Have instruments without cases and need to find one that fits? Check out our extensive options here!

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Traveling with Your Instruments

Winter months
may make travel an unbearable inconvenience at times, but the show never stops!
If you’re currently in a gigging band, then odds are you’re taking your gear
out of the warm confines of your home or practice space and into the biting
cold for several shows this season. When doing so, be sure to warm up your
vehicle to a reasonable temperature before loading in your wooden instruments.
Doing so ensures the instrument avoids any major temperature changes,
maintaining its structural integrity in the process.

We Will Never Bow to Humidity!

Though unavoidable, unwanted humidity changes are easily defeated with a few wallet-friendly devices and tips to keep things in working order. As winter approaches, be sure to stock up on the tools you need to put together a top-notch humidification system for your instruments — you won’t regret it! Curious which humidification system is best for you? Call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer today at (800) 222-4700 with any questions you may have and prepare to arm your instruments for the coming freezing months!

Guitar WorkshopFrom expert installation of factory parts to custom modifications, the Sweetwater Guitar Workshop can handle it.
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