Jump to content

Symptoms of a Wet or Dry Guitar


Recommended Posts


  • Member ID:  9
  • Group:  Moderators
  • Followers:  11
  • Topic Count:  65
  • Topics Per Day:  0.03
  • Content Count:  813
  • Content Per Day:  0.36
  • Reputation:   1,006
  • Achievement Points:  1
  • Solved Content:  0
  • Days Won:  209
  • Joined:  01/04/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Last Seen:  
  • Birthday:  01/01/1953
  • Device:  Macintosh

From Taylor guitars, how to recognize the symptoms.

SymptomsofaDryGuitar.pdf

SymptomsofaWetGuitar.pdf

  • Like 2
  • Thanks 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Member ID:  35
  • Group:  Members
  • Followers:  0
  • Topic Count:  2
  • Topics Per Day:  0.00
  • Content Count:  15
  • Content Per Day:  0.01
  • Reputation:   21
  • Achievement Points:  0
  • Solved Content:  0
  • Days Won:  2
  • Joined:  01/07/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Last Seen:  

Thanks for the PDFs.  I have been struggling with maintaining a healthy humidity in the house till the last couple of days.   Had to buy a second, and bigger, humidifier.  

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Member ID:  13
  • Group:  Members
  • Followers:  2
  • Topic Count:  7
  • Topics Per Day:  0.00
  • Content Count:  304
  • Content Per Day:  0.13
  • Reputation:   266
  • Achievement Points:  0
  • Solved Content:  0
  • Days Won:  16
  • Joined:  01/04/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Last Seen:  
  • Birthday:  10/03/1947
  • Device:  Windows

It's been so cold (-30C) and dry here (25%) That the guitars are all in their cases with humidifiers.

Even the whole house humidifier can't raise the humidity without causing condensation on the windows.

Henk

Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Member ID:  12
  • Group:  Members
  • Followers:  8
  • Topic Count:  184
  • Topics Per Day:  0.08
  • Content Count:  1,235
  • Content Per Day:  0.54
  • Reputation:   1,089
  • Achievement Points:  0
  • Solved Content:  0
  • Days Won:  177
  • Joined:  01/04/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Last Seen:  
  • Birthday:  07/19/1948
  • Device:  Windows

Thanks for files, Diane. I continue to procrastinate on doing something regarding this. Horribly cold and dry here now and the opposite extreme in summer. My guitars have to be suffering. The question becomes will your post and files prompt me to do something about it.:| 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Member ID:  4
  • Group:  Members
  • Followers:  2
  • Topic Count:  47
  • Topics Per Day:  0.02
  • Content Count:  490
  • Content Per Day:  0.22
  • Reputation:   528
  • Achievement Points:  0
  • Solved Content:  0
  • Days Won:  65
  • Joined:  01/04/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Last Seen:  
  • Device:  Windows

My practice room humidifier is running 24 hours a day - I have been re-filling it about every 12  hours (normally I re-fill it once every two or three days). Plus I have Oasis case humidifiers in all my guitar cases.

Take care of your guitars!

Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Member ID:  76
  • Group:  Members
  • Followers:  0
  • Topic Count:  1
  • Topics Per Day:  0.00
  • Content Count:  23
  • Content Per Day:  0.01
  • Reputation:   12
  • Achievement Points:  0
  • Solved Content:  0
  • Days Won:  0
  • Joined:  01/07/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Last Seen:  
  • Birthday:  07/17/1966

Thanks DianeB,

I've been sweating it lately. The old timer dropped from 47 to 45 percent the other day and I had to stick a third Oasis in its case. Hopefully this'll be the last day in the twenties here for awhile.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Member ID:  3
  • Group:  Members
  • Followers:  0
  • Topic Count:  7
  • Topics Per Day:  0.00
  • Content Count:  131
  • Content Per Day:  0.06
  • Reputation:   128
  • Achievement Points:  0
  • Solved Content:  0
  • Days Won:  4
  • Joined:  01/03/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Last Seen:  
  • Birthday:  04/15/1950

Hey it's winter, it's gonna be cold. Thanks for the PDF's Dianne

Snowblower.jpg

  • Like 1
  • Haha 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Member ID:  9
  • Group:  Moderators
  • Followers:  11
  • Topic Count:  65
  • Topics Per Day:  0.03
  • Content Count:  813
  • Content Per Day:  0.36
  • Reputation:   1,006
  • Achievement Points:  1
  • Solved Content:  0
  • Days Won:  209
  • Joined:  01/04/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Last Seen:  
  • Birthday:  01/01/1953
  • Device:  Macintosh

I have an Aircare humidifier in my small (10'x11') practice room -- same model as yours, Dave, I think. A month ago it seemed to be sluggish and I saw that the filter had to be changed. After I did, refilling the tank felt like pouring the water right on the floor. The highest RH I can get is about 35%, but that's a lot better than 15% ! 

Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Member ID:  4
  • Group:  Members
  • Followers:  2
  • Topic Count:  47
  • Topics Per Day:  0.02
  • Content Count:  490
  • Content Per Day:  0.22
  • Reputation:   528
  • Achievement Points:  0
  • Solved Content:  0
  • Days Won:  65
  • Joined:  01/04/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Last Seen:  
  • Device:  Windows

Yes - I have the same model Diane. My room is a bit larger and the Aircare keeps it at about 40% (in the coldest conditions) and closer to 45% in normal weather (for the mountains of North Carolina). I do have to set it 10% higher than the desired humidity (for example, mine is currently set at 55% and the relative humidity in the room is 45%). I have to change the filter more than I would like (at least once a month), but am otherwise happy with the unit.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Member ID:  8
  • Group:  Members
  • Followers:  3
  • Topic Count:  2
  • Topics Per Day:  0.00
  • Content Count:  199
  • Content Per Day:  0.09
  • Reputation:   185
  • Achievement Points:  0
  • Solved Content:  0
  • Days Won:  6
  • Joined:  01/04/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Last Seen:  
  • Device:  Macintosh

Good luck everyone dealing with the cold!! 

Luckily, I usually don't have issues anymore with the humidity living in Florida. Normal even in summer is 50-55%.

But it has been so cold even here!! It actually dipped into the upper 20's - I know that doesn't seem cold for the northern folks, but our houses weren't built for cold! Pipes are exposed, freezing and breaking everywhere (we insulated ours before it got so cold) and plants going belly-up! 

My humidity has only dipped to 35%, so still not as bad as a lot of you are having, and we should be back to normal in a few days...  

When I lived in the mountains of East Tennessee, we had extremes (15-20% in winter, 60-65% in summer). It was difficult to keep the instruments in the optimal conditions. 

Take care of all those wonderful guitars!!! :) 

 

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Member ID:  65
  • Group:  Members
  • Followers:  0
  • Topic Count:  1
  • Topics Per Day:  0.00
  • Content Count:  102
  • Content Per Day:  0.04
  • Reputation:   49
  • Achievement Points:  0
  • Solved Content:  0
  • Days Won:  1
  • Joined:  01/07/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Last Seen:  
  • Birthday:  11/27/1946

Thanks DianeB

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

  • Member ID:  313
  • Group:  Members
  • Followers:  0
  • Topic Count:  2
  • Topics Per Day:  0.00
  • Content Count:  20
  • Content Per Day:  0.01
  • Reputation:   11
  • Achievement Points:  0
  • Solved Content:  0
  • Days Won:  0
  • Joined:  01/11/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Last Seen:  
  • Birthday:  09/23/1951

Thanks for the pdf.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Member ID:  22
  • Group:  Members
  • Followers:  0
  • Topic Count:  2
  • Topics Per Day:  0.00
  • Content Count:  129
  • Content Per Day:  0.06
  • Reputation:   57
  • Achievement Points:  0
  • Solved Content:  0
  • Days Won:  3
  • Joined:  01/07/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Last Seen:  

Thank you DianeB for these pdfs. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Member ID:  9
  • Group:  Moderators
  • Followers:  11
  • Topic Count:  65
  • Topics Per Day:  0.03
  • Content Count:  813
  • Content Per Day:  0.36
  • Reputation:   1,006
  • Achievement Points:  1
  • Solved Content:  0
  • Days Won:  209
  • Joined:  01/04/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Last Seen:  
  • Birthday:  01/01/1953
  • Device:  Macintosh

The relative humidity in my practice room is now steady at 40-50%. I suspect it took a few weeks for the walls and furnishings to become fully hydrated. With the temperature around 72 degrees, it's comfortable.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Member ID:  401
  • Group:  Members
  • Followers:  0
  • Topic Count:  2
  • Topics Per Day:  0.00
  • Content Count:  9
  • Content Per Day:  0.00
  • Reputation:   5
  • Achievement Points:  0
  • Solved Content:  0
  • Days Won:  0
  • Joined:  01/28/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Last Seen:  

Unreal.  I live in Florida and run a dehumidifier 365 days a year.  Air conditioner runs most of the year.  I keep dehumidifier set on 45%.  I turn it off when I go to bed because of the noise.  When I turn it on in the morning it usually reads 55-75%  Seems to keep humidity in guitar case in the 50-55% range.  Dehumidifier in extra bedroom and makes the temp in there higher.  Guitars live in different room where the temp/humidity swing isn't as much.

 

I long to live somewhere cooler and dryer some day.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Member ID:  7
  • Group:  Members
  • Followers:  2
  • Topic Count:  20
  • Topics Per Day:  0.01
  • Content Count:  212
  • Content Per Day:  0.09
  • Reputation:   217
  • Achievement Points:  0
  • Solved Content:  0
  • Days Won:  7
  • Joined:  01/04/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Last Seen:  

3 hours ago, BR-549 said:

I long to live somewhere cooler and dryer some day.

Don't move to Wichita, Kansas.

We get the best (or worst) of both worlds.  During the summer we get 80% humidity with 100+ temps.  During the winter we 5% humidity with 0 degree temps and a 40 mph wind out of the north.

This morning we had 3" of sleet over 1/2 inch of ice from a thunderstorm over night.  Seriously thunder, lightning and sleet all at the same time.  

But as they say around here "If you don't like the weather, just wait an hour it will change."   Monday it was 63 when I woke up and 28 when I got home from work.  Tomorrow we are back in the 60's.

Gotta love Kansas.

 

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Member ID:  12
  • Group:  Members
  • Followers:  8
  • Topic Count:  184
  • Topics Per Day:  0.08
  • Content Count:  1,235
  • Content Per Day:  0.54
  • Reputation:   1,089
  • Achievement Points:  0
  • Solved Content:  0
  • Days Won:  177
  • Joined:  01/04/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Last Seen:  
  • Birthday:  07/19/1948
  • Device:  Windows

@UncleHammy, you're describing Omaha as well.  Both yesterday and today we had the sleet on top of ice.  Everything around here, schools, etc., is shut down.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Member ID:  7
  • Group:  Members
  • Followers:  2
  • Topic Count:  20
  • Topics Per Day:  0.01
  • Content Count:  212
  • Content Per Day:  0.09
  • Reputation:   217
  • Achievement Points:  0
  • Solved Content:  0
  • Days Won:  7
  • Joined:  01/04/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Last Seen:  

Indeed @matonanjin I think it is a "Great Plains" thing.  

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Member ID:  3
  • Group:  Members
  • Followers:  0
  • Topic Count:  7
  • Topics Per Day:  0.00
  • Content Count:  131
  • Content Per Day:  0.06
  • Reputation:   128
  • Achievement Points:  0
  • Solved Content:  0
  • Days Won:  4
  • Joined:  01/03/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Last Seen:  
  • Birthday:  04/15/1950

2 hours ago, UncleHammy said:

Indeed @matonanjin I think it is a "Great Plains" thing.  

 

You could always use your weather to get tourist dollars.

 

image.jpeg.54697364f0af4645bef0c1691112383f.jpeg

  • Haha 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Member ID:  243
  • Group:  Members
  • Followers:  1
  • Topic Count:  74
  • Topics Per Day:  0.03
  • Content Count:  541
  • Content Per Day:  0.24
  • Reputation:   530
  • Achievement Points:  0
  • Solved Content:  0
  • Days Won:  64
  • Joined:  01/10/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Last Seen:  
  • Device:  Windows

These videos show how Robert Taylor deals with a dry guitar. Hopefully you never let your guitar get this dry. 

 

Edited by Randy120
Changed order
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 7 months later...

  • Member ID:  1,373
  • Group:  Members
  • Followers:  0
  • Topic Count:  4
  • Topics Per Day:  0.00
  • Content Count:  24
  • Content Per Day:  0.01
  • Reputation:   12
  • Achievement Points:  0
  • Solved Content:  0
  • Days Won:  1
  • Joined:  08/29/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Last Seen:  
  • Device:  Windows

Thank you DianeB for posting this and to Randy120 for the Taylor videos.  I have an old beater a friend gave to me that has a cracked and buckled top that I thought was caused by a really hard side impact (you can see the impact crater on the edge of the top).  It might in fact have been partly caused by a dried out guitar.  Your posts motivated me to order  a couple of the  Dampit guitar humidifiers in the Taylor vid Randy120 posted.  When the Dampit's come in, going to case that guitar for a couple of several days and see what happens to the crack.  I'll take before and after pics if there is a significant change in the crack and post them up here.  

My guitar's (all of them) tuning goes sharp or flat depending on the humidity, and the Mexican Martin (I call that one Juan Marteen), with the High Pressure Laminate fingerboard (particle board)  is the worst.

I had one guitar dry out last year really bad, with all the symptoms, and it STILL has a horrendous S curve in the neck (with the hump at the neck/ body joint) that I cant correct with the truss rod.  I'll stick the snakes in that one next. 

Thanks again for reminding us what an important subject this is!   I had to buy several room humidifiers last year because my environment got so dry, my guitar(s) became un-playable.  I'm pretty new to this community and I'm really enjoying ya'lls posts.

Edited by Kbore
poor spelling
  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Member ID:  72
  • Group:  Members
  • Followers:  0
  • Topic Count:  3
  • Topics Per Day:  0.00
  • Content Count:  126
  • Content Per Day:  0.06
  • Reputation:   79
  • Achievement Points:  0
  • Solved Content:  0
  • Days Won:  3
  • Joined:  01/07/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Last Seen:  

Randy really nice informative videos.. Thanks.. also for those who have really dry winters, don't discount plastic soap dishes, many holes placed in top, place clean sponge and damp sponge inside soap container with distilled water. I place the guitars in the case for this one. Seems to also work better than some of the humdi pack solutions on the market at a very reasonable cost. I also keep a tear drop and Vicks humidifier in the room during a dry winter with a LED gauge on Temperature and Humidity. Good luck all as winter is around the corner.. I know time to head south to Florida.. we do and visit my daughter and the grandkids whenever possible.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Member ID:  594
  • Group:  Members
  • Followers:  2
  • Topic Count:  0
  • Topics Per Day:  0
  • Content Count:  49
  • Content Per Day:  0.02
  • Reputation:   40
  • Achievement Points:  0
  • Solved Content:  0
  • Days Won:  2
  • Joined:  02/08/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Last Seen:  

Hey folks,

This is all pretty straight forward stuff.

If a top or back crack appears as a result of low humidity,  always remember to humidify the instrument prior to gluing up the crack. The most common crack related repair mistake I see is forcing the crack to close up with clamps. Keep in mind, the guitar cracked because of low humidity; If the humidity levels go back up, the crack will almost always close back up on its own. Then I would introduce glue and light clamping to keep it flush will do.

I hope this will be of some help in the future,

-Greg V.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Chatbox

    You don't have permission to chat.
    Load More

About us

Guitar Gathering is a community of guitar lovers of all types and skill levels.  This is a place of learning, support and encouragement.  We are unapologetically positive.

If you've come here to gripe, demean others or talk politics then this isn't the place for you.

But if you've come to talk guitars, ask questions and learn from professionals and guitar learners from all over the world then come on in!

Get in touch

Follow us

facebook feed

Recent tweets

×
×
  • Create New...