Time for the humidifier

Like it or not, winter is here. Cold weather means snowmen, scraping the car windows, snow ball fights, and making sure the guitar is humidified. Cold weather means dry conditions which translates to the possibility of drying the wood of your guitar, and getting it out of whack.

Every fall, and winter I use my guitar humidifier. A new one each year is wise. My choice is a dampit. Every Sunday I remove the humidifier from my guitar, dip it into a 16-oz water bottle filled with distilled water. I squeeze the excess water, wipe it dry, and let it set until the end of our gathering. When we are tearing down the gear, I slip the dampit in the sound hole and pack the guitar back in the case. I have owned high-end guitars for several years (from Martin to Taylor) and have never had an issue. You paid some serious coin for your axe and it is one of your most important tools, take care of it!

For in-depth information on protecting your guitar from the changes in weather, check out what the folks at Taylor Guitars have to say here.

[tags]guitar care, acoustic guitar, dampit, guitar humidifier, Taylor Guitars, Martin Guitars[/tags]

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This post has 4 comments

  1. Scot,

    Good info there. I have a humidifier in my home system, but it is set for around 40% R.H. I had no idea guitars required a little more than that. I always wondered why I was having to adjust the truss rod on my guitar the past two winters. My \”Dampit\” is on the way.

    Thanks again, In God\’s Love,
    Jason

  2. No problem Jason. I have had some great luck. It\’s all about keeping the tools working right so you don\’t get tripped up. Good luck!

  3. Just an update guys: Got my \”dampit\” and popped it in the guitar and closed the case for just 5 hours. When I pulled the old axe out and gave it a strum, it was hideously out of tune. Every string was nearly 1 whole step low! I hardly ever have to make more than very minor tuning adjustments. I had no idea how I was abusing my poor helpless guitar! Never again, I\’ll spreading the word to some of the young folks in our church that I set down & jam with on occasion. Thanks again, Scot!

  4. Hey Jason,

    Wow, have never heard of that.
    Hope everything works out!

    Blessings!

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