High humidity problems

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tele

Posts: 1464
Joined: Aug. 17 2012

High humidity problems

Hello,

I am currently located in a place with daily humidity of 70-80% and my guitar has issued with it, first of all the open strings have started to buzz due to the raised frets.

My questions are, what is the best way to deal with high humidity and should I do anything to the raised frets or should I just wait until end of november when I move to a more dry climate and hope that the fret issue will be solved?

Also, is it better to keep the guitar in the open or in the case when the humidity is high? In the case its couple percent more dry air but I suppose circulating air would be better?

thanks

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 25 2012 13:41:06

tri7/5

Posts: 570
Joined: May 5 2012

RE: High humidity problems (in reply to tele)

Keeping the guitar in its case is a good rule of thumb always. Buy a hygrometer. Buy a dehumidifier ( to use now). Buy a humidifier ( to use later). I imagine the humidity gets incredibly low in the winter in Finland in contrast to what you're experiencing now.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 25 2012 14:40:39

tele

Posts: 1464
Joined: Aug. 17 2012

RE: High humidity problems (in reply to tri7/5)

I am currently in southern spain... I have heard from some people that keep the guitar outside the case with high humidity to let the air circulate. Any opinions on this? Other tips? Maybe something like this in the case?: http://www.ebay.es/itm/Pingi-Chargeable-Dehumidifier-Moisture-Absorber-Bag-250-/320816579733?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Hearing_Cooling_Air&hash=item4ab2288495

But if the humidity in the case would be much lower than outside it, could it cause some harm to the guitar?

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 25 2012 18:06:29

tri7/5

Posts: 570
Joined: May 5 2012

RE: High humidity problems (in reply to tele)

There is usually a difference between in case humidity and the external environment if you're considering an in-case solution. A sharp contrast going from 45% to 70% might be a bit much and stress the guitar a bit which is why I like room humidifiers/dehumidifiers so the external environment is already in a decent humidity range.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 25 2012 18:23:24

rodrigovalt

Posts: 296
Joined: May 1 2011

RE: High humidity problems (in reply to tele)

I live right next to the ocean in florida and the humidity is really high. I would suggest to buy a dehumidifier, the one I bought is a "Kenmore 50 pints" it works really good and keeps my guitar around 55% of humidity, I need to take out the water from the bucket every 2 or 3 days but i would totally recommend it

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Rodrigo

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 25 2012 22:55:18

tele

Posts: 1464
Joined: Aug. 17 2012

RE: High humidity problems (in reply to rodrigovalt)

After analyzing the guitar's reaction to humidity I noticed the neck became more straight and lowered the action about 0,5mm, causing string buzz. I might put a temporary shim under the saddle and pull it out when the guitar is back in location with normal humidity

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 27 2012 17:15:45

tele

Posts: 1464
Joined: Aug. 17 2012

RE: High humidity problems (in reply to tele)

Has anyone else experienced lowered action because of high humidity? I find it really problematic as I had to put a shim under the bridge saddle and it still buzzes when open strings are played, altough the action is still about 0,3mm lower than it used to be(2,9mm).

Is it likely that it will restore it's original action once it gets back to normal humidity range?

Now it's here in southern coastal spain about 70-80% humidity and it's usually about 50 in finland.

I find this weird as on the web I find only the mention of rise of action due to high humidity.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 1 2012 0:14:56

Jeff Highland

Posts: 401
Joined: Mar. 5 2010
From: Caves Beach Australia

RE: High humidity problems (in reply to tele)

X braced guitars (most steel strings) or ladder braced guitars will have the soundboard rise with high humidity , increasing the action.
Fan braced guitars are less susceptible to this becasuse the braces are close to parallel to the grain in the soundboard.
But high humidity can also cause the fretboard to expand, reducing relief or even producing backbow , and this has the effect of creating buzzing.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 1 2012 0:43:50

Anders Eliasson

Posts: 5780
Joined: Oct. 18 2006

RE: High humidity problems (in reply to tele)

Good post Jeff.

I have experienced lower action in humidity many times. As long as the neck is ok, I just take it easy and wait for the weather to change. You´re in Spain. It´ll change again soon.