Caring for Handmade Acoustic Guitars

As most people know, acoustic guitars are made out of wood, which is a material that is very susceptible to the environment around it. There are a number of factors that can contribute to your handmade guitar's strength and soundness. Temperature, air pressure and humidity can all have an impact upon the wood, glue, and finish on your instrument. Proper care can ensure that your guitar will last a lifetime.

Some tips to keep your handmade acoustic guitars in good condition include:

• Use a guitar humidifier in the dry winter months
• Play the guitars with clean hands
• Avoid sudden temperature changes
• Keep them well maintained and clean
• Wipe them down with a clean cloth when finished playing it
• Keep them in their cases when they are not being played

Humidity can be your guitar's worst enemy. As wood absorbs and releases moisture from the air, it expands and contracts. A sudden drop in humidity, or a continuous exposure to low humidity can make the wood in your guitar contract too quickly, causing cracks, strains and open joints.

A high level of humidity can be just as damaging to your instrument. The ideal humidity level for handmade acoustic guitars is fifty percent. A humidity level higher than this will result in expanding wood, and potential damage. High levels of moisture can ultimately lead to weakening glue, loose bridges and separating seams. Lacquer checks may also result from exposure to moisture.

Low temperatures can also effect the structure and sound of your handmade guitar. If your guitar is exposed to temperatures below the freezing point it may experience cracks and other forms of damage. If for some reason this exposure is unavoidable, it is imperative to leave the guitar in its case until it has time to warm up gradually to room temperature. Leaving your guitar in its insulated case for a period of time may prevent temperature damage.

High temperatures can also be harmful to acoustic guitars. Temperatures that rise above 100 degrees are likely to weaken the glue, causing pieces of the instrument to loosen. The most commonly effected part of the guitar is the finish. The lacquer can become cracked and checked at these high temperatures.