Proper Humidification

OrovilleTim · July 5th, 2006, 01:48 PM

Ok, I got my new Taylor home finally (K14CE) and had a question or two (or three?) on humidification.

First, because of the tight confines of the case, I picked up a soundhole humidifier (Planet Waves.) Does this only benefit when the guitar is in the case, or will it still help of the guitar is out on a stand?

Next, in order to get the thing in between the strings, it does stretch the strings a good amount (like a mutant bend in both directions.) My first instinct was to loosen the strings, but I just left them at regular tension. What do most usually do (assuming they use one of these style humidifiers.)

Last, in a relatively dry area (Nor Cal), is it best to leave it in the case when it is not in use, or is it ok to be left out on a stand for a while?

I've owned a Alvarez Artist for over 10 years with no concern of humidification and have never had a problem, and it's spent good amounts of time on a stand. With the Taylor though, I spent over 10 times as much on it and just want to make sure I treat it with the utmost care ;)

Thanks,
Tim

OrovilleTim · July 5th, 2006, 03:49 PM

Actually, I found the document titled "Using a Guitar Humidifier", along with a couple other documents related to humidification on Taylor's site at the following URL: Taylor Guitars | Tech Sheets

Rob DiStefano · July 7th, 2006, 10:08 AM

With an acoustic guitar, I keep it in a closed case, with a humidity cannister (35mm plastic film cannister, lotsa pin melted holes all around, damp piece of sponge inside) at the head stock and one in the sound hole. That's all it takes. For a solid body electric guitar, just a cannister at the headstock will suffice. I don't see a need to get anal about guitar humidifcation, but there is a need to do it.

If you leave an acoustic guitar on a stand, beware of the environment - particularly A/C, which sucks moisture outta the air. I keep a digital humidity gauge in my shop and the goal is 45%, regulated by a humidifier/dehumidifier.

shakedancer · July 16th, 2006, 06:07 PM

I've had a Martin for 8 years now and never used a ( in case) humidifier. I always keep it in the case( as I do all my guitars) when not in use. Has not suffered at all.

July 5th, 2006, 01:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
OrovilleTim Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Lake Oroville, CA Age: 37 Posts: 554 19 Photos	Proper Humidification Ok, I got my new Taylor home finally (K14CE) and had a question or two (or three?) on humidification. First, because of the tight confines of the case, I picked up a soundhole humidifier (Planet Waves.) Does this only benefit when the guitar is in the case, or will it still help of the guitar is out on a stand? Next, in order to get the thing in between the strings, it does stretch the strings a good amount (like a mutant bend in both directions.) My first instinct was to loosen the strings, but I just left them at regular tension. What do most usually do (assuming they use one of these style humidifiers.) Last, in a relatively dry area (Nor Cal), is it best to leave it in the case when it is not in use, or is it ok to be left out on a stand for a while? I've owned a Alvarez Artist for over 10 years with no concern of humidification and have never had a problem, and it's spent good amounts of time on a stand. With the Taylor though, I spent over 10 times as much on it and just want to make sure I treat it with the utmost care ;) Thanks, Tim __________________ Fender Special Edition Koa Tele / Fender Deluxe Series Powerhouse Strat Fender 65 Twin Reverb / Fender Blues Junior / Marshall DSL 50 & 1960AV Acoustic: Taylor K14CE / Fender Acoustasonic DSP Junior

July 5th, 2006, 03:49 PM	#2 (permalink)
OrovilleTim Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Lake Oroville, CA Age: 37 Posts: 554 19 Photos	Actually, I found the document titled "Using a Guitar Humidifier", along with a couple other documents related to humidification on Taylor's site at the following URL: Taylor Guitars \| Tech Sheets __________________ Fender Special Edition Koa Tele / Fender Deluxe Series Powerhouse Strat Fender 65 Twin Reverb / Fender Blues Junior / Marshall DSL 50 & 1960AV Acoustic: Taylor K14CE / Fender Acoustasonic DSP Junior

July 16th, 2006, 06:07 PM	#4 (permalink)
shakedancer Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: north of Boston Posts: 1,634	I've had a Martin for 8 years now and never used a ( in case) humidifier. I always keep it in the case( as I do all my guitars) when not in use. Has not suffered at all. __________________ "If you don't like the Blues, you got to have a Hole in your Soul." Luther Allison JOE

July 7th, 2006, 10:08 AM	#3 (permalink)
Rob DiStefano Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Park Ridge, NJ Age: 62 Posts: 4,755	With an acoustic guitar, I keep it in a closed case, with a humidity cannister (35mm plastic film cannister, lotsa pin melted holes all around, damp piece of sponge inside) at the head stock and one in the sound hole. That's all it takes. For a solid body electric guitar, just a cannister at the headstock will suffice. I don't see a need to get anal about guitar humidifcation, but there is a need to do it. If you leave an acoustic guitar on a stand, beware of the environment - particularly A/C, which sucks moisture outta the air. I keep a digital humidity gauge in my shop and the goal is 45%, regulated by a humidifier/dehumidifier.