Travelling With My Guitar - Part 2

After my first post on the subject, I contacted Lowden the other day about taking my guitar to a new climate and general travel advice.   Lowden Director, Florence Lowden, emailed me back today with the following information.  Thanks Florence!

Climate and Humidity Control

Acoustic guitars are carefully constructed from thin pieces of solid wood joined together by glue and these are directly affected by changes in temperatureand humidity; the more extreme the change, the greater the reaction. It is important to understand and be mindful that in climates where there are extremes in temperature and humidity additional precautions must be taken to ensure the proper care of your instrument.  Lowden guitars are built in a carefully controlled humidity environment that varies between 45% and 55% relative humidity,providing optimum worldwide stability. Maintaining your guitar’s humidity environment within this range will ensure optimal performance, playability and durability. Humidity levels can be monitored with a hygrometer, ask your dealer for advice and availability.

Effects of temperature and Humidity

Temperature has a direct affect on the moisture content in the air. In general, in warmer weather the air can absorb more moisture – which results in higher relative humidity, causing the wood to swell. In the winter months,  the air holds less moisture and additional factors such as central heating will dry the air even further, lowering relative humidity and causing the wood to shrink. Rapid changes are the most hazardous for your guitar, in order to avoid damage; it is best to keep your guitar insulated in its case.  Should your guitar be exposed to extreme cold – let it warm up to room temperature before opening its case to avoid any potential damage.

Symptoms of a dry guitar

The consequences of low humidity conditions are arguably more severe than those of humid conditions and it is important to be aware and mindful of the symptoms to look out for. In dry conditions (less than 40% relative humidity) wood will shrink. The following are signs that you need to immediately remedy and seek advice about the humidity environment of your guitar:

• The soundboard begins to drop, lowering the action, which may cause buzzing of the strings against the frets.
• The fingerboard shrinks leaving the fret ends feeling sharp and protruding from the edge of the fingerboard.
• Lacquer checks can begin to appear where the wood is joined, and is a warning sign that your guitar is suffering from environmental stress. In the more severe cases – cracks in the wood itself may appear; an authorised technician should attend these to as soon as possible.
• The Bridge begins to separate from the soundboard: in a severely dried out guitar, the bridge may lift off completely. Precautionary measures include(but are not limited to):
  • Keeping your guitar in its case – this will help safeguard it not only from damage but will also provide a more stable humidity environment by insulating your guitar.
  • Humidifying your environment – purchasing a room humidifier will help towards maintaining acceptable humidity levels.
  • Humidifying your guitar –purchasing a guitar humidifier will help increase your guitar’s humidity content whilst in its case.  Please note: It is important to carefully adhere to manufacturer’s instructions to avoid any possibility of water damage. Alternatively, you can place some humidifiers in the accessory pocket of your case. Please do not hesitate to seek advice from your dealer.

Symptoms of a wet guitar

High humidity situations (above 75%) are more difficult to control but the consequences are arguably not as severe. In high humidity, your guitar will absorb excess moisture and swell. The following are signs that you need to immediately remedy and seek advice about the humidity environment of your guitar:

• Your guitar begins to sound ‘tight’, restricted with a possible loss of bass
  and volume.
• The soundboard begins to rise, raising the action making it unwieldy or
  even unplayable.
• The lacquer can check
• The bracing may become apparent where the top is glued to the internal
  structure of the guitar.
• The glue can weaken and the bridge and/or bindings can lift and separate.
  Precautionary measures include(but are not limited to):
  • Keep your guitar insulated in its case. Please Note: The lining of your case
    can also absorb moisture hence it is important to air it out regularly – NEVER
    leave your case or your guitar in the direct sun or too close to a source of
    heat.
  • Air conditioning can help dry the air and reduce humidity in your home.
    Common sense precautions and paying attention to your guitar will ensure
    that you notice any changes and act upon them before damage can occur.

Acclimatisation

Your guitar is most susceptible to the affects of changes in humidity and temperature during the first several months of its life. Every guitar settles in with time and small changes can take place to the action and neck relief whilst your guitar is settling into its new environment.  Being mindful of your guitar’s environment during this ‘settling in’ period will minimise the impact of unfavourable conditions and keep your guitar playing and sounding its best.

Traveling with your guitar

By car

Never leave your guitar in a car on a hot day. The temperature can rapidly increase to unacceptable levels and potentially result in a softening of the glue and lacquer compromising the integrity of your instrument and causing damage. If you must travel with your guitar in a hot vehicle, ensure that the case is not directly in the sun; the best place is in the back seat. As a rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t leave your dog in the car – don’t leave your guitar there either.

By Air

Prior to leaving prepare your instrument by de-tensioning the strings and ensuring that there are no loose items in the case. You may also wish to place some soft padding material under the headstock area to provide extra support. Your Lowden guitar is supplied with a hard shell case that will provide protection, however this is not infallible. The best place to store your guitar when travelling by air is on-board in the overhead compartment or the suit locker. However,the airline may insist that you check-in your guitar. Special services are available for valuable items, (including special handling and
identification) please make sure to ask about these at the check-in counter. Avoid signing, if at all possible, any document that limits the airline’s liability for damage.