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Message |
    
David Coyle (Xcoyle)
Senior Member
Username: Xcoyle
Post Number: 151
Registered: 04-2004
Posted From: 69.211.20.133
| | Posted on Friday, June 10, 2005 - 10:39 am: | 
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Craig, I am curious what type of temperature/humidity controls you have (air conditioning, dehumidifier, humidifier)? What it actually takes to cause checking is often debated here, so if you could elaborate on your �test� case it would be much appreciated.
I am in Chicago and we get big swings in both temperature and humidity, which I would think is similar to Nebraska.
Winter: I have radiator heat. I have these things that hang on my radiators that hold water, which I keep full during the winter to humidify the air.
Summer: I have forced central air and use a dehumidifier in my music rooms. I pull a buck of water out a day in the summer.
I believe the consensus has been (correct me if I am wrong): keep your guitars in an area that is about 70 degrees, 50% humidity. |
Craig Patak (4003360man)
New member
Username: 4003360man
Post Number: 12
Registered: 04-2005
Posted From: 167.127.24.25
| | Posted on Friday, June 10, 2005 - 10:55 am: |
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My current apartment uses a water cooled air conditioning system. In the winter, it's a water heated heating system. Not steam heat, just heated water pipes throughout the building.
I keep my Rick on a stand in my bedroom. During the summer, it stays fairly cool, but in the winter time the side of the room where the guitar(s) is(are) can get pretty cold. I have noticed that when there is a swing in temperatures, the tuning goes out of whack on all my guitars.
I have a feeling it has to do with humidity and inconsistent temperature. I keep the thermostat set at 70 degrees. But, due to the way the heating/cooling system works in my apartment building, it can be inconsistent at times. |
Bill Hughey (Stubby)
Junior Member
Username: Stubby
Post Number: 30
Registered: 05-2005
Posted From: 24.213.88.205
| | Posted on Friday, June 10, 2005 - 02:03 pm: |
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It is a good idea to keep two hygrometers (measuring humidity) mounted in the room where you keep your guitars. You'd be surprised at how much RH can fluctuate from one part of a room to another. Two will give you an accurate reading of the room's RH and will also serve to confirm that they are working properly and giving accurate readings. These can be had fairly cheaply at any hardware store (I purchased one recently for about $8.00 Canadian - I think that's about $0.04 US) and will make sure that you are maintaining an optimum, stable humidity. Many also come with thermometers in the same unit. |
Noel Christian Riddell (Longhouse)
Senior Member
Username: Longhouse
Post Number: 272
Registered: 04-2003
Posted From: 68.217.167.228
| | Posted on Friday, June 10, 2005 - 02:05 pm: |
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If I'm reading all this correctly, should I assume I'll be able to slow the aging process by keeping myself in a guitar case when I'm not in use?
Maybe I can stem the advent of crow's feet and facial sag if I spent some time in my silver Tolex case...
:D
Noel |
Bill Hughey (Stubby)
Junior Member
Username: Stubby
Post Number: 31
Registered: 05-2005
Posted From: 24.213.88.205
| | Posted on Friday, June 10, 2005 - 03:02 pm: |
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Yes, though it'd be better if you were never in use at all - i.e. nobody EVER played you or even looked at you. You'd live as long as the Highlander. |
David Coyle (Xcoyle)
Senior Member
Username: Xcoyle
Post Number: 152
Registered: 04-2004
Posted From: 69.222.187.130
| | Posted on Monday, June 13, 2005 - 02:31 pm: |
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I believe Michael Jackson sleeps in a vintage 381 case. |
Dan Bindbeutel (Danbind)
New member
Username: Danbind
Post Number: 4
Registered: 04-2005
Posted From: 68.100.156.138
| | Posted on Monday, June 13, 2005 - 09:04 pm: |
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Wood can really expand/contract due to extremes in humidity, whether it is in the case or not, but the finish does not, hence the cracks. I know Taylor is extremely zealous in recommending a guitar's environment humidity stay between 45-55% (see their website for app notes). Dry winter air will eventually affect a guitar in its case, unless a Dampit or similar is used. If TOO MUCH humidity is the present, you might end up with mushrooms in the soundhole. Maybe you could use those those camera dessicant packs, changed regularly. |
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