GUITAR TIP – TEMPERATURE EXTREMES

One thing to be aware of is how temperature and humidity affects your guitar. Extremes are not good for guitars. A rule of thumb: if it feels to hot or cold for you, it is probably too hot or cold for your guitar. This is appropriate for electrics and acoustics, but acoustics have thinner wood which can be affected much easier. Often temperature extremes will result in split wood, warped bodies, and necks, and can be much worse on acoustics.

Electrics will also warp, plus certain finishes will permanently cloud up, or crack if exposed to a fast, extreme change in temperature. So beware of temperature changes around your acoustic and electric guitars.

The ideal temperature for a guitar is between 70 and 75 degrees F, and the ideal humidity is between 30 – 50% max. If you are travelling to a gig on a hot or cold day, warm up or cool off your car before putting your axe in it.

Never put it in the trunk either, it is dangerous in many ways. Before opening your guitar case, always let it settle to room temperature. Judge this by running your hand over the outside of the case, remember, you are only looking to eliminate extremes. If your guitar must be exposed to extreme temperatures, remove all tension from the strings and allow it to return to a good temperature before tuning it up again. Most of this is common sense, but it helps to protect that great guitar you spent your hard-earned money on.

See also: Guitar Humidifiers