How much humidity is too much?

[giovanni]

I have had my guitars and amps in the basement for a couple months and now that it’s getting warmer here in Brooklyn I noticed that the basement is getting more humid. I picked up one of my electrics tonight and it was almost a half step out of tune. I worry a bit that the humidity may damage my guitars in the long run. What’s your experience with this? Should I get a hygrometer to see how bad it is? Do dehumidifiers work? Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

 

[vigilante398]

I would definitely recommend a hygrometer, they're typically not very expensive, especially relative to the price of the guitars they'll be helping protect. I have a Planet Waves bluetooth hygrometer that protects my $2k acoustic.

With regards to your other question, I wouldn't worry unless you're getting above 50%, guitars are generally pretty happy in the 30-50% range in my experience. Where I'm at (Chicago suburbs) it's typically 20-30%, which is reasonable, but I previously lived in the Mojave desert where typical humidity was 1-2%. My acoustic stayed in its case with a humidifier unless it was actively being played, it never went on a stand.

 

[giovanni]

I would definitely recommend a hygrometer, they're typically not very expensive, especially relative to the price of the guitars they'll be helping protect. I have a Planet Waves bluetooth hygrometer that protects my $2k acoustic.

With regards to your other question, I wouldn't worry unless you're getting above 50%, guitars are generally pretty happy in the 30-50% range in my experience. Where I'm at (Chicago suburbs) it's typically 20-30%, which is reasonable, but I previously lived in the Mojave desert where typical humidity was 1-2%. My acoustic stayed in its case with a humidifier unless it was actively being played, it never went on a stand.

How does the hygrometer work? I thought it just measured humidity or does it also help regulating it?

 

[Harry Klippton]

I live in an old house that I heat with a wood stove. No air conditioning. Winter humidity is often around or below 30%, summer humidity can go up to 90%. It's currently close to 70% inside because it's been dumping rain for days. My guitars need seasonal adjustment but are structurally fine. Rapid changes are worse than slow ones. The ideal range of 40-60% is just that, ideal but not necessary. As such, I have no business owning nice acoustics because I can't keep them in the ideal humidity range

 

[PapaBear]

How does the hygrometer work? I thought it just measured humidity or does it also help regulating it?

The hygrometer measures humidity so you know if you need to regulate or manage it!

 

[MichaelW]

I live in Florida......nuff said.........

 

[Laundryroom David]

I live in Florida......nuff said.........

Toronto is downright tropical these days, but the winters are bone dry inside the house even with a central humidifier. It was really challenging to look after my Martin. Not going to lie, I was sad to part with it last year. But I needed cash and the guitar needed someone to look after it properly … c’est la vie.

 

[Harry Klippton]

even with a central humidifier

I put a 5 gallon bucket full of water behind the stove. Does that count?

 

[Feral Feline]

When the walls are sweating, that's too much.

 

[BuddytheReow]

Get a dehumidifier. It’s worth it. You may get a rebate from the state or your electric company. The annoying part for me is I have to empty it every few days or if it’s super humid, everyday. My guitars pretty much stay in tune. It just sits there during winter for me.

Edit: how much is too much? If it feels humid, it’s too humid. Acoustics are much more sensitive.

 

[PapaBear]

Get a dehumidifier. It’s worth it. You may get a rebate from the state or your electric company. The annoying part for me is I have to empty it every few days or if it’s super humid, everyday. My guitars pretty much stay in tune. It just sits there during winter for me.

Edit: how much is too much? If it feels humid, it’s too humid. Acoustics are much more sensitive.

The one I bought for the Camper has an option to drain it directly as opposed to using its bucket. I'm setting it up to drain down the showers drain.

 

[carlinb17]

I use humidifiers in the winter here in upstate NY and a dehumidifier in the summer… the wacky weather here definitely takes its toll…

 

[giovanni]

So we finally bought a dehumidifier. The hygrometer was measuring 84% in the last few days. It’s now down to 59% after emptying the humidifier bin twice! The basement feels much better now and I’m sure my guitars do too