Over time your acoustic guitar will be affected by its environment. Guitars are made of wood and they age well if properly taken care of. One factor that will cause your acoustic guitar to age poorly is a lack of humidity in its environment. Does this mean your guitar needs to be in a moist climate or setting? Absolutely not. What it does mean is that your guitar needs to be protected from severely dry climate conditions for extended periods of time.
As we know, in the long run, guitars are prone to drying out. Have you ever seen an older acoustic guitar that has cracks in the finish? Of course you have. In other cases many of you have seen a guitar that not only has cracks in the finish (this is also called crazing) but the top, back or sides can be warped, bowed or otherwise distorted. While there are several factors that contribute to bowing and warping, more times than not the guitar will have been allowed to dry out. The lack of moisture in the wood can accelerate the process that causes warping and bowing. Also, allowing a guitar to dry out will affect the tonal qualities of the instrument as it ages.
We must conclude that preventing the instrument from drying out becomes an important issue. Especially if we are to preserve the condition and enhance the tonal qualities of our guitar as it ages. For those of you who are beginner guitarists, we would like to offer a tip that will prove valuable to your investment in your guitar.
This tip involves creating a simple humidifier for your guitar case. You will need three simple items to create your guitar case humidifier:Plastic Sandwich Bag With Zipper
New Household Sponge That Fits Easily Into Sandwich Bag
Hole Punch
Creating the guitar case humidifier is very simple. Use the hole punch to punch a dozen or so holes in one side of the sandwich bag. It is recommended that you evenly space the holes in the bag (using rows) in an area about the size of the sponge. Be sure to create the holes in only one side of the bag. Next, moisten the sponge. Saturate the sponge but make sure it is not dripping. Simply place the sponge into the plastic sandwich bag and zip it up. Place the sandwich bag into your guitar case with the holes facing up. Be sure to place the humidifier in your case in a way that there is no pressure on the bag or the sponge. Usually there is ample room for this simple device in the top of the case, behind the headstock of the guitar.
Check your guitar case humidifier every few weeks to monitor the sponge. When the sponge dries out, simply saturate it again in the manner mentioned above. This simple device will add life to your guitar. It will also help prevent the instrument from drying out over extended periods of time. As a bonus, it will assist the fine woods of your guitar in the aging process. As you play the instrument and keep the humidity in check, your instrument will be afforded critical elements that will ensure enhanced tonal qualities that come with age.
Protecting Your Acoustic GuitarProtecting the investment you have made in your acoustic guitar is very important. Here are a few tips and ideas for making your instrument last more than a lifetime.
Let's consider some potential threats to your acoustic guitar. Some of these threats may be glaringly obvious while others may be a bit more obscure. While it would be impossible to include every scenario or potential threat element in one article, perhaps the items mentioned in this article will prevent a new guitar owner from experiencing the certain regret associated with a damaged instrument.
Here is a list of things to be aware of that could be a potential threat to your acoustic guitar:1. Stage Damage
2. Climate and Element Effects
3. Improper Storage
4. Children and Pets
1. Stage Damage
I mention stage damage first because it is the most common factor I have seen regarding damage to acoustic guitars. Countless guitarists have severely or irreparably damaged their acoustic guitar by failing to take extra precautions on stage. When setting up on stage, it is necessary to have a solid and secure guitar stand. Quality acoustic guitar stands are designed to stabilize your instrument. Be sure to buy a sturdy stand that has a low center of gravity. You will be well advised to spend the extra money required to obtain a higher quality guitar stand.
Also, set your guitar on the stage in an area where it is less likely to be upset by anyone passing by the instrument. Be sure to do the best you can to set the instrument away from cords and cables. This may prove to be easier said than done, especially in a tight stage setting, but the bottom line is to do your best.
Finally, whenever possible, place your guitar on stage as one of the last items to be set up. The less time the instrument is on stage, the less risk there is for accidental damage.2. Climate and Element Effects
One might be surprised to note the statistics related to acoustic guitar damage which are caused by the elements. Some of the scenarios associated with this damage are very obvious while others may not be so easily recognized.
A. Heat and Sun Damage:
Be very careful not to leave your guitar in a closed automobile in the summer months. Extreme heat can severely damage the instrument and may void your manufacturers warranty. Be very careful not to leave the instrument in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. This rule applies even if there is sufficient ventilation in the area.
B. Rain and Water Damage:
Be careful not to leave your acoustic guitar outside during wet weather. Also, be very cautious when you are playing around a pool or fountain. Be mindful of the wind if you are playing outdoors near a fountain or waterfall.
C. Humidity Effects:
If you live in a very dry climate such as Arizona, you are well aware of the effect that extreme dry conditions can have on many objects. Your guitar is not exempt. However, you do not have to live in Arizona or any other extremely dry climate to be mindful of the effects dry air can have on your guitar. This is especially true over long periods of time.
Get a zipper style plastic sandwich bag. Create perforations in one side of the bag (15 to 20 holes with a hole punch). Get a small household sponge, one that fits easily into the sandwich bag. Make sure you get a clean, new sponge. Saturate the sponge thoroughly, but NOT dripping. Place the sponge in the sandwich bag. Close the zipper. Place the sandwich bag in your guitar case with the perforated side of the bag facing up. This practice will keep your acoustic guitar from drying out in any climate. Over time it will also help prevent your guitar finish from crazing (cracking). This simple tip will add life to your guitar.
3. Improper StorageDuring the life of your guitar you may find it necessary to place the instrument in storage. If you find you need to store the guitar for an extended period of time, consider these simple tips.
A. Store In A Snug Fitting, Plush Lined, Hard Shell Case
B. Remove The Strings
C. Clean And Polish The Instrument (Using Protective Wax Or Wood Preserving Oil) D. Place The Plastic Baggie Containing Wet Sponge In The Case (TIP: Mentioned Above) E. Store In A Cool, Dry Place
F. Loosen The Truss Rod (If Applicable)
4. Children And Pets
This category is obvious. Keep your guitar protected from damage and abuse by keeping it out of the reach of children. This will not only protect your guitar, it will also protect a small child from being injured by the instrument. A falling guitar can be dangerous to a small child. The guitar also has sharp string ends that can puncture the skin. If your child is old enough to have an interest in the instrument, by all means provide the child with an inexpensive entry level guitar of their own.
Finally, many times Fido loves to chew or Felix loves to scratch. Keeping your acoustic guitar out of the reach of your pet is safe and beneficial for everyone involved, especially your guitar.Guitar Strings Last Longer With Proper Care
Metal guitar strings are subjected to many conditions that shorten their life. The life of guitar strings can be extended with care and proper maintenance. This article will help you extend the life of your guitar strings.
Guitar strings can lose their tonal quality prematurely due to factors that include:*Stretching
*Wear
*Corrosion
Stretching: Guitar strings naturally stretch during tuning and while playing the guitar. Over time strings slowly lose their elasticity and their tone quality. Guitar strings that are stretched no longer produce rich tone or harmonic overtones. As a result, the guitar becomes difficult to tune and the sound of the strings become dull and lifeless.
Wear: Guitar strings wear during the process of playing. This process comes from moving the metal strings against the metal frets on the fretboard. Of the two most common types of strings, wound and plain steel, wound strings are more susceptible to fret wear. Wound guitar strings tend to "flat-spot" more rapidly than plain steel strings. If left unchecked, the flat spots can create breaks in the windings of the strings. Flat spots and broken windings will decrease tonal quality and can also cause the strings to "buzz".
Corrosion: Metal guitar strings are subject to tarnish, rust and corrosion. Metal guitar strings are also subject to the body chemistry of the individual guitar player. Individuals with higher acid levels in their pH will get less life from their guitar strings due to an accelerated rate of string corrosion.
There are several things guitar players can do to get extended life from their guitar strings. Taking the time to follow these simple steps will ensure that you get the most from your strings and reduce the cost associated with premature string failure.
*Do not over-stretch your strings during the tuning process.*Be careful not to crimp the strings at the tuner peg when replacing the guitar strings.
*Periodically, check the condition of the guitar bridge and bridge saddle to avoid breaking a string during the replacement process.
*Monitor the condition of your guitar frets and replace any frets that develop excessive wear or sharp edges.
*Always clean your guitar strings when you finish playing the guitar.
It is impossible to say how long a new set of guitar strings should last. The life of guitar strings depend on many factors and variables. It is possible to extend the life of guitar strings through proper care and maintenance. Be sure to take the time to care for your guitar strings and you will get the longest life from each set.
When the time comes to replace the strings, choose quality replacements and change the strings carefully.Guitar Health And Safety Issues
The two main categories associated with guitarist's health and safety are hearing and electric shock. Taking a moment to consider these topics could make a difference in your longevity as a musician. Here are some tips to consider when contemplating these issues:
It is evident that prolonged exposure to excessive sound pressure levels leads to hearing loss in humans. Normally, everyone's hearing diminishes in the higher frequency ranges as they age. Studies have shown that unless the damage is caused by excessive "sound pressure levels" or illness, the decline for most individuals is slow, small, and not significant.
"Sound pressure levels" are measured in decibels, or "dBs". In the early nineties, most researchers agreed that a maximum of 104dB for continuous sound, and 140dB for brief momentary peaks in "sound pressure levels" is an acceptable limit. Researchers also agreed that in most live performance situations the levels were too high to guarantee the safety of the human ear. Some tests have shown that recording engineers who were continually subjected to borderline "sound pressure levels" (slightly lower than live gigs) showed only normal deterioration in hearing loss. Researchers point out that there are not enough test results available to provide conclusive evidence to set strict decibel limits. It would be wise to err on the side of caution during gigs or concerts. Avoid being unnecessarily close to loudspeakers and amps. It is also a good idea for performing musicians to have regular hearing tests.
The use of foam ear plugs has also been helpful to many touring musicians. They can be used during rehearsal and during live performance. The bottom line is this, be aware and be cautious with your hearing.
A second common hazard for performing musicians is electric shock. Being on-stage creates a unique opportunity to be electrocuted by accident. One common accident that can occur is coming into contact with a microphone when either the guitar or the microphone is not properly grounded. Electrocution can also happen when the guitarist comes into contact with power supplies, amps, lighting, and other stage gear while holding a "live" guitar.
It is a good idea to retain the services of a qualified electrician when setting-up a stage for live performances. Also, be sure to properly maintain your electric instruments and amplification equipment to ensure safe operation. Finally, be sure to exercise common sense and solid judgment when on-stage.
Taking a few basic precautions will ensure that you are around for many years to come. Don't cheat the world out of the music you will create in the future and don't cheat yourself, play it safe. Check these valuable resources for on-stage set-up and sound reinforcement:
