Alaska Specialty Woods is known for supplying the finest instrument tonewood material for guitar tops. Guitars, in general, need to be treated like pets and babies– with tender, lovinโ care. Here are some tips for protecting your guitar from problems.
Guitars acclimate to their environment. Therefore, if you go from a really cold place to a really warm one, and vice versa, your guitar might get stressed out. Humidity also affects the instrument. Physical damage from extreme temperature variations can include warping and cracking. When wood gains moisture, it expands. When wood loses moisture, it shrinks. Ideally, youโll want to keep your guitar in an area where the temperature is between 65 and 75 degrees with humidity in the 45 to 55 percent range. When thatโs not possible, such as taking it on a plane where itโll be stored underneath in a cold compartment, utilize a good hard case that protects the guitar from the cold.
Itโs not unusual for guitar players to ask an airline to carry their guitar on the plane with them so itโs in the cabin rather than underneath, simply because they want to make sure it doesnโt freeze below and/or get tossed in the wrong way by some unassuming worker who doesnโt realize what heโs dealing with– a very expensive, beloved guitar!
Some people store their guitars in garages and/or leave them in vehicles overnight– but thatโs not good if the temperature is freezing. Itโs better to store them indoors. Keep in mind, however, that you donโt want to store guitars near heat vents indoors– thatโs too hot and dry. Also, keep guitars out of direct sunlight because that can make the wood brittle and fade the color over time.
Every now and then, take time to change guitar strings on your instrument as well as clean it. Getting rid of dirt, grime and oil(s) is a good way to prolong the life of the instrument. Take the guitar to a professional cleaner for the best results.
Care for your guitar well and itโll stay in good shape, sound great, and last a long time.
