Guitar care in cold weather? (UK especially)

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Adam

Posts: 1156
Joined: Dec. 6 2006
From: Hamilton, ON

Guitar care in cold weather? (UK esp...

I'm leaving for the UK in a week and now that I've got a sexy new Bernal, I figure it's time to start paying attention to caring for the guitar in their bizarre weather, which is cold and (since it rains a lot) probably also humid. What do you folks do to store your guitars - any need for a fancy case (like the humidifying case that at_leo_87 has, which is perfectly good for cigar storage), or is a normal hard case fine? Does it matter much what the temperature is in the room you're playing in? Etc. Any tips would be appreciated. I am a complete noob when it comes to not treating guitars like crap. Thanks!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 23 2010 20:08:02

at_leo_87

Posts: 3055
Joined: Aug. 30 2008
From: Boston, MA, U.S.A

RE: Guitar care in cold weather? (UK... (in reply to Adam)

i dont think temperature is something to worry too much about. it's the humidity.

a simple home made humidifier should work with your case when the humidity drops. that's basically all my case is, only fancier looking.

how's your new guitar, btw?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 23 2010 20:35:51

Ron.M

Posts: 7051
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Scotland

RE: Guitar care in cold weather? (UK... (in reply to Adam)

Hey Ramparts,

I can assure you that you will have no problem in the UK, unless we have an Ice Age.
Humidity variations are not a problem here.

Cambridge students getting pissed at one o'clock in the morning and using your guitar as a paddle to punt down the Cam could be, however...

Keep an eye out and stay sober.

cheers,

Ron

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 23 2010 20:51:37

Adam

Posts: 1156
Joined: Dec. 6 2006
From: Hamilton, ON

RE: Guitar care in cold weather? (UK... (in reply to Adam)

Thanks Ron - I will definitely keep an eye out, at least

Anthony - I thought you had a special sort of humidifying case? Anyway, still not sure how necessary that is. And the guitar is very very nice. Next time you're in the Granada area I'll have to come down and show you.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 23 2010 21:01:17

Escribano

Posts: 6416
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: England, living in Italy

RE: Guitar care in cold weather? (UK... (in reply to Adam)

No issues if it is kept in a good hard case, somewhere not too warm or too cold and away from any radiators in the winter.

I don't use a humidifier with my Anders in its Wilcox hard case. No problems so far.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 23 2010 21:13:09

Ron.M

Posts: 7051
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Scotland

RE: Guitar care in cold weather? (UK... (in reply to Escribano)

quote:

somewhere not too warm or too cold and away from any radiators in the winter.

Sometimes when I'm playing my Anders in the living room, the next door neighbour's cat sneaks through the cat flap and curls up and sleeps in the open velvet-lined case.

Opportunists are everywhere...you don't bloody well get a break..

cheers,

Ron

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 23 2010 21:21:32

mark indigo

Posts: 3625
Joined: Dec. 5 2007

RE: Guitar care in cold weather? (UK... (in reply to Adam)

i have never had a problem so far

dance class starting up week after next!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 26 2010 22:59:41

at_leo_87

Posts: 3055
Joined: Aug. 30 2008
From: Boston, MA, U.S.A

RE: Guitar care in cold weather? (UK... (in reply to Adam)

quote:

Anthony - I thought you had a special sort of humidifying case? Anyway, still not sure how necessary that is.

it's basically just a well sealed case with two sponges in fancy containers and a hygrometer.

i bought it because it was cheap and i needed a hardshell case anyways. if you already have a hardshell case, no need to spend more money.

next time we see each other, we won't have a reason to go guitar shopping anymore! but still, you've got to try that super bellido guitar.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 26 2010 23:32:00

ralexander

Posts: 797
Joined: Jun. 1 2010
From: Halifax, Nova Scotia

RE: Guitar care in cold weather? (UK... (in reply to Adam)

Ideal humidity for most guitars is around 40-50%, but in my experience it's the sudden and dramatic changes in temp/humidity that can cause damage. If a guitar is able to climatize slowly then you will have less chance of issues. Here in Canada, I used to take this one guitar (a Santa Cruz OM steel string) to a friends place. I had a standard hardshell case, so the guitar would get noticeably colder when transporting it outside - even during a 15min car ride. I usually would not wait very long before opening the case in his house exposing the guitar to warmer temps. After a while, the bindings began to separate in 2 spots which was a drag. This kind of treatment in more extreme cases can have other nasty affects such as finish crazing or checking (cracks in the finish) or braces becoming loose.

My suggestion - instead of spending a ton on a fancy case, find yourself an insulated case cover - this will slow the change inside the case. Check here:

http://coloradocase.com/

I've had Colorado and Small Dog covers - both are great. I try not to be too protective or anal with my guitars these days, but these covers are good insurance IMO - especially if you travel.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 27 2010 17:01:07

at_leo_87

Posts: 3055
Joined: Aug. 30 2008
From: Boston, MA, U.S.A

RE: Guitar care in cold weather? (UK... (in reply to Adam)

i have one of those case covers in burgundy.
the strap is really uncomfortable. i got bruises lugging this case around:
http://www.guitarsalon.com/product.php?productid=2520

but i felt at ease knowing my guitar could withstand nuclear radiation.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 27 2010 20:08:24