Monsoon Humidity Question

Chris Callahan · August 2nd, 2007, 09:55 AM

I live in Tucson where the humidity spikes this time of year. We just moved into a house with a swamp cooler instead of AC so now it's literally like the jungles of Borneo (but with less Orangutans).
Does anyone have any thoughts about the effects on Teles of humidity.
I left mine at our practice place during the move and now I'm trepiditious about bringing them home.
My plan is to bring one home and watch it for a few weeks. (I know that could get boring!)

PaddyBrumson · August 2nd, 2007, 10:42 AM

My experience with Atlanta's Summer humidity is that some necks (whatever guitar) move more with humidity than others. I had a MIM standard with a maple neck that would move with the slightest change in humidity. Others that just need a truss rod tweak twice a year. To help minimize the problem, I have a humidifier, de-humidifier and stand alone air conditioner in my music room. I try to keep the humidity between 40-50% year round. That helps, but I can never keep it constant.

Chris Callahan · August 2nd, 2007, 11:16 AM

Thanks Paddy! Yeah, I should really be measuring the humidity so I know where I'm actually at.

mellecaster · August 2nd, 2007, 01:13 PM

I wouldn't worry to much on Electrics...Teles are Pretty Tough...(unless you got one of them little Sissy Necks)....just kiddin....

...Acoustics now, are a different story....just remember...High Humidity, Tuning goes sharp....low humidity, tuning goes Flat....and a Hygrometer ain't a Bad idea...it doesn't have to be Super accurate....just use as a reference point, if you get my Drift.

Chris Callahan · August 3rd, 2007, 08:53 AM

Thanks Mellecaster! That sets my mind at ease. Hygrometer - I knew it was something like that! I think my Teles can come home!

KevinB · August 3rd, 2007, 08:57 AM

A lack of humidity is typically much more of a problem than too much. Dry conditions mean splits (in acoustics) and sharp fret ends as fretboards shrink. Personally, I'd be more worried about the orangutans.

My hygrometer was about $25 at Radio Shack.

Paul in Colorado · August 3rd, 2007, 09:14 AM

I lived in Tucson for many years. The swamp cooler is your friend. My Tele had no problems and my acoustics survived with humidifiers in the cases. I haven't been back to the desert in way too long.

August 2nd, 2007, 09:55 AM	#1 (permalink)
Chris Callahan Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tucson AZ Age: 44 Posts: 416	Monsoon Humidity Question I live in Tucson where the humidity spikes this time of year. We just moved into a house with a swamp cooler instead of AC so now it's literally like the jungles of Borneo (but with less Orangutans). Does anyone have any thoughts about the effects on Teles of humidity. I left mine at our practice place during the move and now I'm trepiditious about bringing them home. My plan is to bring one home and watch it for a few weeks. (I know that could get boring!) __________________ Chris

August 2nd, 2007, 11:16 AM	#3 (permalink)
Chris Callahan Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tucson AZ Age: 44 Posts: 416	Thanks Paddy! Yeah, I should really be measuring the humidity so I know where I'm actually at. __________________ Chris

August 2nd, 2007, 01:13 PM	#4 (permalink)
mellecaster Friend of Leo's Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 4,480 17 Photos	I wouldn't worry to much on Electrics...Teles are Pretty Tough...(unless you got one of them little Sissy Necks)....just kiddin.... ...Acoustics now, are a different story....just remember...High Humidity, Tuning goes sharp....low humidity, tuning goes Flat....and a Hygrometer ain't a Bad idea...it doesn't have to be Super accurate....just use as a reference point, if you get my Drift. __________________ Let's Not Forget the Other 75% of The Tone Equation...It's Called an AMP

August 3rd, 2007, 08:53 AM	#5 (permalink)
Chris Callahan Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tucson AZ Age: 44 Posts: 416	Thanks Mellecaster! That sets my mind at ease. Hygrometer - I knew it was something like that! I think my Teles can come home! __________________ Chris

August 2nd, 2007, 10:42 AM	#2 (permalink)
PaddyBrumson TDPRI Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Atlanta Age: 58 Posts: 65	My experience with Atlanta's Summer humidity is that some necks (whatever guitar) move more with humidity than others. I had a MIM standard with a maple neck that would move with the slightest change in humidity. Others that just need a truss rod tweak twice a year. To help minimize the problem, I have a humidifier, de-humidifier and stand alone air conditioner in my music room. I try to keep the humidity between 40-50% year round. That helps, but I can never keep it constant.

August 3rd, 2007, 08:57 AM	#6 (permalink)
KevinB Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: New Jersey Posts: 608 3 Photos	A lack of humidity is typically much more of a problem than too much. Dry conditions mean splits (in acoustics) and sharp fret ends as fretboards shrink. Personally, I'd be more worried about the orangutans. My hygrometer was about $25 at Radio Shack.

August 3rd, 2007, 09:14 AM	#7 (permalink)
Paul in Colorado Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Fort Collins, CO Age: 55 Posts: 4,223 3 Photos	I lived in Tucson for many years. The swamp cooler is your friend. My Tele had no problems and my acoustics survived with humidifiers in the cases. I haven't been back to the desert in way too long.