That's very interesting. But I have a hygrometer on the wall, unlike most people and just now, [March 2015] the room is a comfortable 59%. I can't see that keeping the guitars at 45-50% in the case, is a good idea as it will freak them out every time they come out to play. My old Epiphone came with a big sachet of 'silica gel' to keep it dry, but we didn't have central heating and sealed windows in those days, so it's a juggling act the other way now.
Good video. Many experienced players don't know how important proper humidity is to a guitar. As a guitar tech myself, I have old guitars coming in to my shop all the time that would not have needed repair had the guitar been stored with proper humidity. I really like the new planet waves humidifiers, they are easy to use and they have new sponges that hold a lot more water for a lot longer. Plus, they are not that expensive. #planetwaves #guitartech #daddario
Gonna try the Oasis....I use Planet 2 piece now and a dampit. What I do to get the most out of the PW is when I buy a new or used guitar, first thing, put the snakey thing (dampit) inside, and squeeze it good and make sure its not gonna be drenching the inside of the guitar. I also use a damp sponge in a dish a little higher than the sponge, cover with plastic wrap and punch some holes in it, place it under the headstock and lay the guitar flat. 2 days I check to make sure not dry. Good or bad?
@taxisteve929 Not from Martin, but I purchased 6 gauges a few months back, and put them in the same spot in the guitar and checked a few hours later and 1 of the gauges read 58 while the other 5 read 47....so make sure your gauges work. This is a great video and stresses the first 5 years.....whether you buy a $100 pawn shop job or a $5,000 Martin, you gotta take care of the guitar....of course, being the start of the barn, my Martin does get better care!!!(s)
Fast change effects acoustic instruments. If you are traveling, keep it in the case until it acclimates. Otherwise, keep it in your living space away from windows, outside walls, heaters, ac units or registers. That's it. Your guitar wants to be in the same living conditions as you. Go by that and you'll never have problems. No attics. No trunks of cars. Basements are not good but I would say in your bedroom closet is much better.
What if your acoustic guitar has electronics such as a tuner and pre-amp built in, won't the dampness have an effect on them? Any recommendations on a solid body (electric guitar or bass)
Hey dont know if this is even read since its a very old video but I'm gonna try. So. 1. Would you say having your guitar hangin on the wall is a bad idea?( I live in sweden and here we have cold winters and warm summers.) 2. Will a "glossy guitar" endure more then a "non-glossy" one? generaly speaking.
+taggarn I am a guitar tech and I can answer this for you. 1. Yes, hang your guitars on the wall. Enjoy looking at them, enjoy playing them more. Just be aware that you need to keep them clean(dust them) and if they have glossy finishes, a carnuba wax guitar polish(like Planet Waves) is best. Also, keep them out of direct sunlight, and even indirect sunlight can fade guitar finishes. So, don't hang them in rooms with a lot of sun. Also, don't hang them on walls where air from windows or doors can get to them, or where air conditioning or heater vents can get to them. 2. Glossy finishes can endure more abuse generally speaking, but once again, only if they are kept clean and waxed with carnuba wax polish(like Planet Waves). Glossy guitar finishes wear similar to finishes on cars. If you wash and keep your car waxed, the paint and finish will look new for a really long time. But if you never wash or wax your car, in about 10 years, the car will look like a piece of junk. If you need any more tips, I love posting videos on guitar care. #sammybones #guitartech #planetwaves Have a great day! #haveaniceday
+taggarn 1: Yes, hanging on wall/sitting on stand out in the open is the worst idea. Like said, you want to isolate the guitar from the outside environment. Unless you have a system in your home that can control the humidity through the air vents or a portable solution that can ensure proper humidity, you shouldn't be doing this. 2: The finish won't protect the wood from drying out, no. Wood can absorb moisture and lose it through a finish since it's a generally a non-pourous material.
Ok, perhaps 'worst idea' wasn't really fair to be honest.. I'm not an expert, however wouldn't recommend it without the aforementioned humidifier in place :)
Andy Fair enough. The right humidity is a must for guitars. Especially acoustic guitars. I'm going to post a video in a few minutes showing the difference with the new Planet Waves humidifiers compared to the old design. Thanks for the "input". Have a great day!
@taxisteve929 This is step 1 with a used or new if it's been sitting in a store that doesn't have a humidity controlled acoustics room....something I admire and look for when purchasing a guitar. Then I go to the maintain phase....with the Oasis or PW....but with the oasis, it looks like I won't have to worry unless I over humidify, which I have seen done on a couple guitars. Can be just as bad....but you gotta go a long way to do it. I would actually go another step and put a 2nd gauge in.
should be fine people leave guitars in there basements for years without playing them. Just inspect the guitar make sure there are no cracks or warping in the body then make sure the neck is not bent either. you can even take it into a guitar shop and they will do touch ups on ur guitar.
This is so necessary where we live in Colorado! Thank you for the new tips!
Love these videos from Martin. I have wondered how to humidify my guitar. Now I know. Awesome.
Dave Doll always has very helpful and informative video. This one is no exception. Thank you Dave.
That's very interesting. But I have a hygrometer on the wall, unlike most people and just now, [March 2015] the room is a comfortable 59%. I can't see that keeping the guitars at 45-50% in the case, is a good idea as it will freak them out every time they come out to play. My old Epiphone came with a big sachet of 'silica gel' to keep it dry, but we didn't have central heating and sealed windows in those days, so it's a juggling act the other way now.
Good video. Many experienced players don't know how important proper humidity is to a guitar. As a guitar tech myself, I have old guitars coming in to my shop all the time that would not have needed repair had the guitar been stored with proper humidity. I really like the new planet waves humidifiers, they are easy to use and they have new sponges that hold a lot more water for a lot longer. Plus, they are not that expensive.
#planetwaves #guitartech #daddario
Gonna try the Oasis....I use Planet 2 piece now and a dampit. What I do to get the most out of the PW is when I buy a new or used guitar, first thing, put the snakey thing (dampit) inside, and squeeze it good and make sure its not gonna be drenching the inside of the guitar. I also use a damp sponge in a dish a little higher than the sponge, cover with plastic wrap and punch some holes in it, place it under the headstock and lay the guitar flat. 2 days I check to make sure not dry. Good or bad?
@taxisteve929 Not from Martin, but I purchased 6 gauges a few months back, and put them in the same spot in the guitar and checked a few hours later and 1 of the gauges read 58 while the other 5 read 47....so make sure your gauges work. This is a great video and stresses the first 5 years.....whether you buy a $100 pawn shop job or a $5,000 Martin, you gotta take care of the guitar....of course, being the start of the barn, my Martin does get better care!!!(s)
Fast change effects acoustic instruments. If you are traveling, keep it in the case until it acclimates. Otherwise, keep it in your living space away from windows, outside walls, heaters, ac units or registers. That's it. Your guitar wants to be in the same living conditions as you. Go by that and you'll never have problems. No attics. No trunks of cars. Basements are not good but I would say in your bedroom closet is much better.
What if your acoustic guitar has electronics such as a tuner and pre-amp built in, won't the dampness have an effect on them? Any recommendations on a solid body (electric guitar or bass)
what about if you keep the guitar at a humidity under 45%?
Great advice!
Great Video Dave, I have the Oasis hydration system which seems to be working out pretty well.
it does not give out enough moisture to damage anything, the wood soaks up everything that is needed. You should be fine with an acoustic electric.
Hey dont know if this is even read since its a very old video but I'm gonna try.
So.
1. Would you say having your guitar hangin on the wall is a bad idea?( I live in sweden and here we have cold winters and warm summers.)
2. Will a "glossy guitar" endure more then a "non-glossy" one? generaly speaking.
+taggarn I am a guitar tech and I can answer this for you. 1. Yes, hang your guitars on the wall. Enjoy looking at them, enjoy playing them more. Just be aware that you need to keep them clean(dust them) and if they have glossy finishes, a carnuba wax guitar polish(like Planet Waves) is best. Also, keep them out of direct sunlight, and even indirect sunlight can fade guitar finishes. So, don't hang them in rooms with a lot of sun. Also, don't hang them on walls where air from windows or doors can get to them, or where air conditioning or heater vents can get to them. 2. Glossy finishes can endure more abuse generally speaking, but once again, only if they are kept clean and waxed with carnuba wax polish(like Planet Waves). Glossy guitar finishes wear similar to finishes on cars. If you wash and keep your car waxed, the paint and finish will look new for a really long time. But if you never wash or wax your car, in about 10 years, the car will look like a piece of junk. If you need any more tips, I love posting videos on guitar care. #sammybones #guitartech #planetwaves Have a great day! #haveaniceday
+taggarn 1: Yes, hanging on wall/sitting on stand out in the open is the worst idea. Like said, you want to isolate the guitar from the outside environment. Unless you have a system in your home that can control the humidity through the air vents or a portable solution that can ensure proper humidity, you shouldn't be doing this.
2: The finish won't protect the wood from drying out, no. Wood can absorb moisture and lose it through a finish since it's a generally a non-pourous material.
Andy I have guitars hanging on the wall at my house, but I have a humidifier for the room. I don't over-do it, but it helps.
Ok, perhaps 'worst idea' wasn't really fair to be honest.. I'm not an expert, however wouldn't recommend it without the aforementioned humidifier in place :)
Andy Fair enough. The right humidity is a must for guitars. Especially acoustic guitars. I'm going to post a video in a few minutes showing the difference with the new Planet Waves humidifiers compared to the old design. Thanks for the "input". Have a great day!
Hi Dave . Thanks ...
How does varying humidity affect the guitars built with HPL?
@taxisteve929 This is step 1 with a used or new if it's been sitting in a store that doesn't have a humidity controlled acoustics room....something I admire and look for when purchasing a guitar. Then I go to the maintain phase....with the Oasis or PW....but with the oasis, it looks like I won't have to worry unless I over humidify, which I have seen done on a couple guitars. Can be just as bad....but you gotta go a long way to do it. I would actually go another step and put a 2nd gauge in.
this is my first time to watch your tips i love your tips i play guitar just as a pass time at home
learn something new everyday
it just me or I think this guy looks like Tin Tin..??
who knows what to do if I leave my guitar for 2 months in my closet on a dry winter? I appreciate any comments on the subject
should be fine people leave guitars in there basements for years without playing them. Just inspect the guitar make sure there are no cracks or warping in the body then make sure the neck is not bent either. you can even take it into a guitar shop and they will do touch ups on ur guitar.
He does look a tiny bit like Tin Tin. My guitar cost $350 so I do not care about humidity at all Mwahahahahhahah!