Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Wow!
For the first time in my life as a guitarist I experienced the potential effects of climate change on the neck of a guitar.

I recently moved from northern Europe (Germany) to a sub-tropical island in the Atlantic Ocean (Tenerife).
As you may or may not know, from time to time the Canary Islands are affected by the "Calima" phenomenen when easterly winds bring hot, dry air (laden with sand) from the Sahara desert. The result is a sharp increase in temperature and a sharp decrease in humidity levels. The skies are hazy with dust and sand suspended in the air and some find the climate very oppressive.

We experienced a few days of "Calima" shortly after I arrived, with daytime temperatures soaring to around 30°C from the usual 20°C. During these few days the only guitar I had out on a stand (i.e. not in a case) was my 330/6. I didn't notice anything at the time but I was away this weekend - which turned out to be a little cooler - and left the guitar out on its stand. I got back yesterday to discover the guitar was buzzing considerably on the frets near the headstock end, evidently as a result of some very significant back-bow.

I had no problem re-adjusting the neck and setting up my guitar as I like it but it was quite a striking lesson in the potential effects of climate change on wood.
I suppose, having always resided in Central or Northern Europe where the climate usually changes very gradually and moisture is at a constant level, I haven't been confronted with anything like this before.

Anyone else out there living in a climate which has such a major effect on their guitars?

Living near the water in Tampa, Florida subjects my Ricks to lots of humidity swings. I only notice major swings and need truss rod adjustments when there are big temperature changes as seasons transition from one to the next, about twice a year here! The salt air corrodes the button-tops of high gain pickups in about 4-5 years, too.

Edit: Ok, I guess this was my 4000th post.

jdogric12aolcom wrote:
Edit: Ok, I guess this was my 4000th post.

My thread feels suitably honoured!

Congrats on 4001, Jason!

I find I have to make seasonal adjustments on my Ricks with the newer truss rod design, but not those with the old design.

jps wrote: I find I have to make seasonal adjustments on my Ricks with the newer truss rod design, but not those with the old design.

I'm ignorant of any change of design. Where's the cut-off between "old" and "new"?

Sub tropic islands are full of potential problems for traditionally built guitars. The salt air corrodes metal and wiring. The humidity weakens glue joints and then there's the mildew. Oh, the mildew...

ricardo_vicente wrote:

jps wrote: I find I have to make seasonal adjustments on my Ricks with the newer truss rod design, but not those with the old design.

I'm ignorant of any change of design. Where's the cut-off between "old" and "new"?

1980-1985 was the transition period, more or less.

Welcome to Tenerife, Richard!

I live in Chicago and also notice a change in my guitars twice a year, usually spring and fall. Winter time is usually cold and dry, summer hot and humid. A minor neck adjustment usually corrects the bowing.

Janglyman

Clint wrote:Sub tropic islands are full of potential problems for traditionally built guitars. The salt air corrodes metal and wiring. The humidity weakens glue joints and then there's the mildew. Oh, the mildew...

These will cure that problem!

Richard, except for the lack of sand, we here in southern California experience the same weather, it's called a "Santa Ana" here. I did try an experiment and left my Gibson JL Revolution Casino (hollowbody) out for a day or two on a stand during one recently ... the guitar, which stays nearly exactly in tune when stored in the case, was very noticeably out of tune when I checked it. I put it back in the case, took it out a few days later, and it was back in tune. I did the same experiment with my Rickenbacker 460 solidbody by putting it on a wall hanger, and it stayed in tune.

Lesson: keep the hollowbodies in their cases when not in use during dry weather!

BTW, Jason, congrats on reaching 4000!

I hear ya within this last week, three of my Rics need to be readjusted, my C64, my Cii and my 06 4003, just got my new larado back last week from being set up so she is good so far, and my 08 4003 is holding tight right now just had her set up a couple of weeks ago, but I go through this every spring and late fall, but just the Rics,